Centre making huge investments in solar power projects in Ladakh

By: Raja Syed Rather

Srinagar: The Government of India on Wednesday told the Parliament that huge investments are being made in solar energy projects in Ladakh.

Union Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy and Power, Shripad Yesso Naik, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) provided details on the ongoing and upcoming energy projects in Ladakh during the ongoing Lok Sabha session.

“One of the major projects underway is a 25 MWac/50 MWdc solar power project with a 40 MWh battery storage, being developed by the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) in Taru, Leh,” he said. “The EPC contract for this project has been awarded to M/s Prozeal Green Energy Private Limited. Additionally, a large-scale 13 GW Hybrid Renewable Energy (RE) park is being planned across Pang, Debring, and Kharnak areas, which will include solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems.”

Minister Naik also highlighted that the Government is investing Rs. 20,773.70 crore for an Inter-State Transmission System in Ladakh to evacuate power from 13 GW renewable energy projects, with 40% of the DPR cost or awarded cost being provided as central financial assistance through PowerGrid Corporation of India Limited.

In addition to solar projects, the region is seeing progress in small hydro power generation, with the 2.5 MW Zunkul Small Hydro Power project and the 0.80 MW Bogdang Small Hydro Power project under construction.

Addressing concerns over the region’s sensitive ecology, Naik, as per KNO, confirmed that the solar photovoltaic projects are exempt from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006, meaning no environmental clearance is required for such projects. However, measures are being taken to manage electronic waste (e-waste) generated from solar panels, with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notifying E-Waste Management Rules, 2022. The recycling of solar panels is also mandated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for material recovery.

The Minister assured that these projects aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and provide reliable electricity to the region, boosting the local economy. Additionally, the infrastructure development, such as improved roads and bridges, will aid in the transportation of equipment and enhance accessibility for local residents. SECI’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts also include supporting education through digitalization, enhancing medical facilities, and promoting environmental sustainability. —(KNO)