3,000 of 8,000 Govt Buildings Solarised, 4,841 of 5,000 Solar Pumps Installed in J&K

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar, June 1: Jammu and Kashmir has solarised 3,000 government buildings out of a target of 8,000 and installed 4,841 solar-powered agriculture pumps against 5,000 sanctioned under the PM-KUSUM scheme, achieving nearly 99 per cent of the target, officials informed a review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Sunday.

The meeting reviewed the progress of renewable energy initiatives and the solarisation programme being implemented by the Science and Technology Department and the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) across the Union Territory.

Dulloo stressed the need for closer coordination between the Science and Technology Department, Power Development Department (PDD) and district administrations to ensure timely installation of smart meters in solarised government buildings. He said effective metering was essential for maximizing the benefits of solar energy generation and improving energy savings.

The Chief Secretary also directed the department to assist government agencies in finalising Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to facilitate efficient management and utilisation of power generated through solar installations.

Observing that renewable energy could significantly transform Jammu and Kashmir’s energy landscape, Dulloo said large-scale solarisation along with the development of small and medium hydropower projects could help harness the region’s vast clean energy potential.

He also called for exploring alternative cooking energy solutions for residents of remote and far-flung areas who continue to depend on conventional fuels. The Chief Secretary further stressed the need to expedite formulation of the Renewable Energy Policy and promote Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects in the Union Territory.

During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology, Babila Rakwal, informed that rooftop solar projects with a capacity of 70 MW are being implemented on around 8,000 government buildings under the CAPEX mode, while an additional 175 MW capacity is being developed under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model.

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

Reviewing achievements recorded during the previous financial year, JAKEDA Chief Executive Officer P.N. Dhar said more than 2,200 solar agriculture pumps had been 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 cookstoves provided to households in underserved regions.

Officials informed the meeting that under the PM-KUSUM scheme, 4,841 solar agriculture pumps had been installed and made operational against a sanctioned target of 5,000 pumps, helping farmers reduce diesel consumption and irrigation costs.

The meeting also reviewed progress under the Model Solar Village programme, under which one village in each district has been identified for development as a renewable energy model.

On the hydropower front, officials said seven small hydroelectric projects with a combined capacity of 35.25 MW had already been commissioned in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, hydro projects with a cumulative capacity of more than 115 MW are at different stages of allotment, development and execution.

The department also briefed the Chief Secretary about plans for solar parks in Jammu, a pilot solar-wind hybrid project, solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations and a proposed 100 MW Solar Power Park coupled with a 20 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which would be the first project of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dulloo also reviewed the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC) and called for a focused strategy, in collaboration with institutions such as the Islamic University of Science and Technology, to promote food processing, skill development and innovation-driven entrepreneurship in the Union Territory.