CEC seeks reliable backup for Kargil town to overcome power shortage in winters

Kargil: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil,Feroz Ahmed Khan Tuesday called for adequate backup system for Kargil town to overcome problem of power shortage in winters due to low generation.
“Backup system assumes greater significance as there is huge power shortage during the winter season owing to inadequate power generation by hydel projects due to low water discharge levels” the CEC said at a meeting with the Managing Director, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) here at New Delhi.
The meeting hosted by the Managing Director SECI, discussed the modalities for development of 50 MW Capacity Grid Connected Solar Power Project for Kargil town in order to meet the power requirements during the peak winter season.
Project Director and CEO, Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA) Kacho Ahmed Khan, Technical Director SECI, Staff Officers KREDA, Financial Director, SECI, Project Officer, SECI besides other concerned officers attended the meeting.
It was decided in the meeting that to begin with the groundwork for the establishment of 50-MW solar-project at Kargil town, a team shall soon be visiting the sites which have already been identified by KREDA.
The CEC assured the MD SECI for providing a feasible piece of land for development of the solar project as this would prove instrumental to meet the power requirements of the town during the winter season. The required land measuring 125 acres shall be handed over to SECI for the establishment of the proposed SPV project of 50MW after complete survey and examination, he assured.
It was revealed that feasible land parcels near Kargil Town have been demarcated, coordinates of which shall soon be provided by KREDA.
The CEC directed the concerned officers to provide details of the load centers and existing load patterns within a week’s time. It was also decided that KREDA shall be given the responsibility of operation and maintenance of the 50 MW SPV project which on 25 years of successful operation shall be handed over the LAHDC Kargil and KREDA.
During the meeting, the CEC and the MD SECI also took review of the progress of the 2.5 GW Ultra Mega Solar Power Project (UMSPP) in Kargil. The meeting was informed that the project would be the largest project of its kind in the whole Northern India. It was further revealed that involvement of KREDA as the implementing/coordinating agency for the project is required as all the requisite materials and other technical inputs for the initial startup of the UMSPP has been provided by the agency.
It was decided in the meeting that land for establishment of the project shall be provided to SECI on sub-lease/right to use basis and the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) shall be drawn with JKSPDC/PDD.
The CEC underlined the need to keep CSR provisions within the project so that local communities of Zanskar, Rangdum and other demarcated areas can be benefited.
Meanwhile, the CEC also stressed upon the need for the development and execution of micro grid solar projects in other parts of the district and urged upon the MD SECI to take required steps in this regard.