“Fast-Track Solarisation of 8,000 Govt Buildings”: CS to Departments | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is accelerating its clean energy transition with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directing the fast-tracking of solarisation across 8,000 government buildings and pushing for urgent implementation of major renewable energy projects, including the Union Territory’s first 100 MW solar park with battery storage.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Science and Technology Department, Dulloo stressed the need for close coordination among the Science and Technology Department, Power Development Department and district administrations to ensure timely installation of smart meters, terming them essential for optimising solar power generation and maximising energy savings.

He also directed the department to facilitate finalisation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) by government departments for efficient management and utilisation of energy generated through solar installations.

Describing renewable energy as a transformative opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Secretary said large-scale solarisation coupled with small and medium hydropower development could significantly reshape the Union Territory’s energy landscape.

Dulloo called for expediting formulation and implementation of the Renewable Energy Policy and scaling up Compressed Biogas initiatives. He also emphasised the need to explore alternative cooking energy solutions for residents of remote and far-flung areas still dependent on conventional fuel sources.

Reviewing the progress achieved so far, Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology, Babila Rakwal informed the meeting that rooftop solar projects covering around 8,000 government buildings with a target capacity of 70 MW are under execution in CAPEX mode, while an additional 175 MW capacity is being developed under the RESCO model.

She said nearly 3,000 government buildings have already been solarised, with work progressing rapidly on the remaining identified structures.

Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA, P N Dhar informed the meeting that during the previous financial year, more than 2,200 solar agriculture pumps were installed, nearly 9,000 solar home lighting systems distributed in remote and tribal areas, 140 solar high mast lights established, around 8,000 solar street lights installed and over 16,000 biomass cook stoves provided to underserved households.

The meeting was informed that under the PM-KUSUM scheme, 4,841 solar agriculture pumps have been installed against a sanctioned target of 5,000, marking nearly 99 per cent completion.

Officials said one village in each district has been identified under the Model Solar Village programme to serve as renewable energy demonstration hubs.

On the hydropower front, seven small hydroelectric projects with a cumulative capacity of 35.25 MW have already been commissioned, while more than 115 MW capacity is in the development pipeline.

The department also apprised the Chief Secretary about plans for solar parks in Jammu, a pilot solar-wind hybrid power project, solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations and the proposed 100 MW Solar Power Park integrated with a 20 MW Battery Energy Storage System — the first such project in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dulloo also directed the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council to work with institutions such as the Islamic University of Science and Technology to promote innovation-led entrepreneurship, food processing and skill development to strengthen employment generation across the region.