The announcement of 13 GW renewable energy project has brought a new hope to the Jammu & Kashmir Government as none else than Lt Governor Manoj Sinha himself while lauding the approval of a colossal 13 GW Renewable Energy Project recently said “it is a momentous announcement that holds profound implications for Jammu & Kashmir and the entire nation. This groundbreaking initiative, aimed at bolstering the region’s power infrastructure, is set to redefine the energy landscape and bring immeasurable benefits to the people of Jammu & Kashmir and beyond”. Speaking at a press conference held at the Raj Bhawan last week, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha expressed the unwavering commitment of the UT administration to provide uninterrupted and reliable power supply to the residents. He described the 13 GW Renewable Energy Project as a testament to this commitment, assuring round-the-clock power availability to the region. One of the key highlights of his address was the notable improvement in transmission and distribution efforts over the past three years. The administration is supplying more electricity to the people than ever before, with a purchase cost of 10 rupees per unit and a distribution cost of just 1.25 rupees per unit, despite the heavy subsidies provided. Lt. Governor Sinha emphasized that transparency is paramount, assuring that all issues related to electricity bills will be thoroughly examined by the Power Development Department. The project received the green light from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the implementation of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) in Ladakh.
“The administration is supplying more electricity to the people than ever before, with a purchase cost of 10 rupees per unit and a distribution cost of just 1.25 rupees per unit, despite the heavy subsidies provided”.
The first phases of the project will cover major cities such as Srinagar and Jammu, followed by smaller towns and cities. Smart meters, which have been a subject of controversy, will play a pivotal role in ensuring efficient power management. One significant aspect of the project is the integration of the Leh-Alusteng-Srinagar transmission line, which will provide clean and sustainable energy to Jammu & Kashmir. The 13 GW Renewable Energy Project is expected to serve as an alternative power source for the valley, reducing its reliance on hydroenergy generation, which is prone to limitations during the winter months. Moreover, the transfer of power from Ladakh to Kashmir will not only enhance the power situation in Kashmir but also positively impact the Jammu region. This will result in increased availability of power in Jammu, which will be facilitated by the reduction in power flow from the 400kV Kishanpur and Jatwal grids located in Jammu. The transmission line will traverse through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, ultimately connecting to Kaithal in Haryana, thereby integrating with the National Grid. This comprehensive network is designed to ensure a stable and continuous power supply to Jammu & Kashmir. Furthermore, the integration of Renewable Energy (RE) generation in Ladakh with the 220kV Grids of Kashmir is expected to significantly improve power availability throughout the year, particularly during the power-deficit winter months.
“As Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha has announced plans for the installation of a new 400kV Transmission line from Ladakh to Kashmir, the move is likely to further enhance power supply and cater to future load growth as industrialization continues to expand in the region. The administration remains agile and open to the evolving requirements and feasibility assessments, promising a brighter and more electrified future for Jammu & Kashmir”.
The 13 GW Renewable Energy Project is equipped with 12 GW Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which will ensure a consistent power supply to Jammu & Kashmir, especially during challenging weather conditions in the valley. This development is set to alleviate the challenges of low voltage conditions typically experienced during the winter months. Lt. Governor Sinha emphasized the environmental benefits of the project, highlighting the reduction in carbon footprints and the preservation of the delicate environmental balance in the Kashmir-Ladakh regions. The introduction of RE Power through the existing 220kV Leh-Alusteng-Srinagar line not only establishes redundancy within the transmission system but also contributes significantly to disaster mitigation efforts. As part of their winter preparedness, the Jammu & Kashmir Government has ensured that the region is well-equipped with snow clearance equipment and machinery to enable uninterrupted supplies of essential provisions, such as ration and medicine, to meet the needs of the local population. As Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha has announced plans for the installation of a new 400kV Transmission line from Ladakh to Kashmir, the move is likely to further enhance power supply and cater to future load growth as industrialization continues to expand in the region. The administration remains agile and open to the evolving requirements and feasibility assessments, promising a brighter and more electrified future for Jammu & Kashmir.
