Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday reviewed the progress of solarisation of government buildings and various clean energy initiatives being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir, while directing the Science & Technology Department to prepare a comprehensive action plan for accelerating renewable energy growth in the Union Territory.
The review meeting was attended by Babila Rakwal, Chief Executive Officer of JAKEDA, Director of JKSTIC and other senior officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary conducted a detailed review of the solarisation programme being implemented across government establishments. He stressed the need for close coordination between the Science & Technology Department, the Power Development Department (PDD) and district administrations to ensure timely installation of smart meters, observing that efficient metering is essential for maximizing the benefits of solar power generation and energy savings.
Dulloo also directed the department to assist government agencies in finalising Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to ensure efficient utilisation and management of electricity generated through solar installations.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s vast renewable energy potential, he observed that large-scale solarisation along with development of small and medium hydroelectric projects could significantly transform the region’s energy landscape. He further called for exploring alternative cooking energy solutions for people living in remote and far-flung areas who continue to rely on conventional fuel sources.
The Chief Secretary also emphasized the need to expedite formulation and implementation of the Renewable Energy Policy and promote Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across Jammu and Kashmir.
Reviewing the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Dulloo urged the council to develop a focused strategy in collaboration with institutions such as the Islamic University of Science and Technology for promoting food processing, skill development and innovation-driven entrepreneurship. He stressed that stronger collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies can contribute significantly to innovation-led economic growth and employment generation.
Providing an overview of departmental initiatives, Commissioner Secretary Babila Rakwal informed the meeting that the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency is implementing a wide range of renewable energy programmes, including solarisation of government buildings, solar-powered agriculture pumps under PM-KUSUM, model solar villages, solar parks, rooftop solar systems, decentralised renewable energy devices and small hydroelectric projects.
She informed that under the CAPEX mode, rooftop solar projects with a target capacity of 70 MW are being implemented across nearly 8,000 government buildings, while another 175 MW capacity is being developed under the RESCO model. Out of the identified buildings, around 3,000 government buildings have already been solarised, with work progressing on the remaining structures.
Reviewing achievements during the previous financial year, CEO JAKEDA P.N. Dhar informed the meeting that 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 more than 16,000 biomass cook stoves provided to households in underserved regions. These interventions have significantly improved access to clean energy while reducing dependence on conventional fuels.
The meeting was informed that under the PM-KUSUM scheme, 4,841 solar-powered agriculture pumps have been installed and made operational against a sanctioned target of 5,000 pumps, achieving nearly 99 percent completion. The initiative has helped farmers reduce diesel consumption, lower irrigation costs and ensure reliable water supply for agricultural activities.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the progress of the Model Solar Village programme, under which one village in each district has been identified for development as a renewable energy model village.
On the hydropower front, officials informed the meeting that seven small hydroelectric projects with a combined generation capacity of 35.25 MW have already been commissioned across Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, hydroelectric projects with a capacity exceeding 115 MW are currently at various stages of allotment, development and execution.
The department further apprised the Chief Secretary about plans for establishing solar parks at identified locations in Jammu, developing a pilot solar-wind hybrid power project, installing solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations and setting up a 100 MW Solar Power Park coupled with a 20 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)—the first project of its kind proposed in Jammu and Kashmir.
