35.25 MW Small Hydro Commissioned, 76.17 MW Govt Buildings Solarised in Jammu Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government informed the Assembly that 35.25 MW of small hydro capacity has been commissioned under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode, while 76.17 MW rooftop solar capacity has been installed across 7,425 government buildings, marking a significant expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in the Union Territory.

The disclosure was made during the discussion on demands for grants, with the Science and Technology Department detailing the progress achieved through the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), the UT’s nodal agency for promotion of renewable energy.

The government said JAKEDA has commissioned seven Small Hydro Power projects with a cumulative capacity of 35.25 MW under IPP mode. Two additional projects with a combined capacity of 4.65 MW are being commissioned during the current financial year.

Further, 60 project sites with a total capacity of 129.80 MW are under different stages of implementation in remote areas of the UT. The department also finalised 61 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for hydro projects ranging from 2–10 MW, with an aggregate potential of 340 MW, to be developed in phases under IPP mode.

During construction of hydro projects, a large number of skilled and unskilled workers are engaged. After commissioning, each project generates 15–20 direct jobs, including civil, electrical and mechanical engineers, technicians, support staff and labourers, besides indirect employment in adjoining areas.

Under the rooftop solar initiative, JAKEDA has solarised 7,425 government buildings with an aggregate capacity of 76.17 MW against a target of around 22,000 feasible buildings across districts. Around 1,200 additional buildings are currently under installation.

The government stated that the solarisation drive is being implemented under UT CAPEX and RESCO modes to enhance energy self-reliance and reduce conventional power consumption in public infrastructure.

In the domestic and institutional sectors, JAKEDA has installed 34 MW of rooftop solar capacity under earlier schemes of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, as per portal data available on February 19, 2026, 23,598 households in J&K have installed rooftop solar systems with an aggregate capacity of 84.41 MW. A subsidy of Rs 172 crore has been released to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer.

The scheme provides central financial assistance up to Rs 85,800 for 3 kW systems in hilly regions like J&K, in addition to a UT subsidy of Rs 3,000 per kW up to 3 kW capacity. The government said 83,500 residential consumers have been targeted for coverage under the scheme.

Under Component-B of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evamUtthaanMahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), 5,000 solar agriculture pumps were sanctioned for JK. Of 4,891 applications received, 4,104 solar pumps have been installed across districts.

The scheme provides 50 per cent central subsidy, 30 per cent UT subsidy and requires farmers to contribute 20 per cent of the cost. Solar pumps ranging from 2 HP to 10 HP capacities are being installed.

Over the last two financial years, 3,549 solar home lights and 17,124 biomass cook-stoves have been distributed in tribal and remote areas under the Tribal Sub Plan. Solar street lighting systems are being installed across constituencies and shrines, while pilot solar EV charging stations are being set up at three locations.

The government stated that renewable energy projects are generating employment opportunities at multiple stages. As a thumb rule, around 40 jobs are created per solar project from manufacturing to implementation, with over 800 firms currently engaged in rooftop solar promotion in the UT. It added that youth engaged in installation of solar devices are local residents.

The department said the expansion of hydro and solar capacity is aimed at strengthening energy security, promoting green growth, and creating employment in both urban and remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir.