Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today reviewed the renewable energy initiatives of the Science and Technology Department, directing departments to ensure coordinated and time-bound implementation of green-energy projects across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting reviewed floating solar, small hydropower, solarisation of government buildings, wind-energy assessment, smart metering, battery energy storage systems and conversion of organic waste into compressed bio-gas.
The Chief Secretary directed completion of the district-wise biomass survey and identification of suitable government land for a centralised Green Land Bank. He stressed milestone-based implementation with clear responsibilities for departments and agencies.
Under the floating solar initiative, five reservoirs have been identified with an aggregate potential of 83.51 MW. Manasbal Lake, with an identified potential of 34.06 MW, and Mansar Lake, with 31.9 MW, have been assessed as highly feasible sites.
The meeting was also informed that seven small hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 35.25 MW are operational, while another 3 MW project is nearing completion. DPRs have been prepared for 76 projects up to 2 MW with a combined capacity of 118 MW and 56 projects in the 2–10 MW category with a cumulative capacity of 331 MW.
Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, eight of the 15 Model Solar Village DPRs sanctioned across the country have been approved for J&K, involving Central Financial Assistance of ₹7.99 crore.
The meeting also reviewed wind-resource assessment, with sites at Bidda and Ijara assessed through installed wind masts. JAKEDA has proposed pilot installation of 5–10 kW vertical-axis wind turbines at suitable locations.
The proposed Integrated Renewable Energy Policy targets 500 MW ground-mounted solar, 150 MW battery energy storage and 50 MW wind capacity by 2030, scaling up to 2,000 MW solar, 1,200 MW BESS and 300 MW wind capacity by 2040.
The proposed Compressed Bio-Gas Policy seeks to utilise municipal wet waste, livestock manure, orchard waste and agricultural residue to produce clean fuel and fermented organic manure. J&K aims to operationalise at least six major CBG plants by March 31, 2030, with a combined production capacity of 32 tonnes per day and over 700 direct employment opportunities.
