Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday directed the installation of rooftop solar power systems at healthcare institutions under the state health department. He said the phased installation would promote green energy usage and help reduce electricity costs, reiterating the government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a green energy state, according to PTI.
Renewable Energy Targets Outlined
The chief minister said Himachal Pradesh’s annual energy consumption stands at around 13,000 million units and the government has set a target to meet over 90 per cent of its energy requirements through renewable sources. He added that the state aims to install solar energy projects with a total capacity of 500 megawatts over the next two years, alongside promoting green hydrogen, compressed biogas and other alternative energy initiatives.
Gram Panchayats at the Core of Strategy
To achieve the green energy goal, the government has assigned a key role to Gram Panchayats through the Green Panchayat Programme. Under the scheme, 500-kilowatt ground-mounted solar power projects are to be set up in panchayats across the state. In the first phase, approvals have been granted for 24 panchayats, with work already underway in 16, aiming to generate a total of 150 megawatts of solar power.
Revenue Linked to Social Welfare
Under the Green Panchayat Programme, 20 per cent of the revenue generated from solar power projects will be used to provide financial assistance to orphaned children and widows in the respective Gram Panchayats. The state government said this model would ensure that renewable energy development also directly benefits local communities.
Progress of Solar Projects Across Districts
Several solar projects have already begun operations in Una district, including the Pekhubela, Bhanjal and Aghlaur projects, collectively generating significant power and revenue. Currently, solar projects with a combined capacity of 31 megawatts are under execution, while projects totalling 41 megawatts are in the tender stage. Officials also informed that a 200-megawatt solar power plant is proposed in the Damtal area of Kangra district, as the state continues to scale up its renewable energy infrastructure.
