Himachal is moving towards becoming a green energy state

Himachal Pradesh is moving towards becoming the first green energy state of the country. To achieve the target of establishing the state as a green energy state by March 31, 2026, the present state government is ensuring proper exploitation of green energy options. Solar energy is environmentally friendly and a renewable source of energy. This can reduce carbon emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Solar energy projects can be easily maintained and have a long lifespan. To achieve this goal, the state government is promoting green industries. At present, climate change is the biggest challenge in the world and the state government is working towards reducing the effects of global warming through green initiatives.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu is also advocating the interests of Himachal before the central government for solar energy. He has also requested the Center for assistance for a mega solar park in Spiti. He said that Spiti has the potential of producing 1000 MW hybrid solar and wind energy which can be harnessed through green corridor transmission. At the same time, there is immense potential for solar, wind and hydroelectric energy in the Sutlej valley.
The Transport Department is the first department in the state where only electric vehicles are being used. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are also travelling in electric vehicles for their official programmes.
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Scheme, the state government is giving 45 percent subsidy for installing solar panels of 100 to 500 kilowatts on private land. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Scheme, 10 thousand permits are being given for running e-taxis at 40 percent subsidy.
The government is taking effective steps to make the state a green energy state. Six green corridors are being established in the state where the use of electric vehicles is being encouraged. Kiratpur-Manali, the state’s first green corridor has been started while the work on the rest of the green corridors is also in progress.
Work on the state’s first green hydrogen-based mobility station has been started in Chamba. This station will pave the way for the state in the green hydrogen mobility sector. This ambitious green initiative of the state government will be constructed by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) at an estimated cost of Rs 14 crore and the project is expected to be completed by August 2025. The project will be set up near NHPC Chamera-3 power station and will be connected to a 300 kW grid solar power plant to meet the energy requirements.
The plant will produce 20 kg of green hydrogen per day and the green hydrogen will be stored at a pressure of 450 bar or more for filling in the bus. Apart from this, a hydrogen dispenser unit will also be installed for bus facility.
With the start of this project, revenue and employment generation opportunities will be created in Chamba district and it will also ensure contribution in the economic development of the state.
The state government is promoting the operations of e-vehicles and the buses of Himachal Road Transport Corporation are being converted into a fleet of electronic buses. The dream of green energy of the state is going to be realized with the purchase of e-buses. Himachal Road Transport Corporation is being converted into a green transport system and a fleet of electric buses has been included in the corporation for reliable transport service. At present, 110 e-buses and 50 e-taxis of the corporation are operational. Rs 327 crore has been provided for the purchase of electric buses and the purchase of additional two thousand Type-2 electric buses is under process.
The 32 MW Pekhubela Solar Power Project constructed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited at Pekhubela in Una district has been dedicated to the people of the state. This project will generate 6.61 crore units of electricity annually and the state government will receive a revenue of Rs 19.17 crore at the rate of Rs 2.90 per unit every year. The Pekhubela Solar Project will reduce carbon emissions by 2,532 tonnes every year.
The state government has set a target of installing 500 MW solar power to Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited. To achieve this target, the corporation has allotted construction work of three solar projects of 47 MW. Out of these, one solar project has been completed and two other solar projects are under construction.
Tenders have been invited by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited for seven solar projects of 72 MW and DPR of four solar power projects of 54 MW is being prepared. There are 10 solar power projects of 77 MW for which pre-feasibility report is being prepared. FCA permission is being obtained for solar power projects of 50 MW while other solar power projects of 200 MW are in exploration stage. Out of these projects, 160 MW solar projects are located in Una district, 110 MW solar projects in Solan district, 170 MW solar projects in Kangra district, 50 MW solar projects in Mandi district and 10 MW solar projects in Bilaspur district.
The state government is continuously moving forward towards its goal by adopting innovation and innovative initiatives. The state is going to set an example across the country in the field of green energy. Earlier, the state has given the message of being environmental friendly across the country by becoming a plastic free state. With the tireless efforts of the state government, the state will move forward on the path of prosperity and happiness in every field.