Solar Energy to Power 24 Green Panchayats

Highlights:

  • HIMURJA to set up 500kW-1MW solar plants in the gram panchayats of 12 districts
  • The state has made a provision of ₹50 crore for the project

The Himachal Pradesh government will develop 2 gram panchayats as ‘Green Panchayats’ in each of the 12 districts of the state. Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA) will set up solar power plants in each of the panchayats under this initiative.

The plant size will range from 500kW to 1MW, as per the official statement.

“A provision of ₹50 crore has been made for setting up these projects under the Himachal Pradesh Power Sector Development Programme. Himurja, a state government undertaking, has initiated the process of setting up solar projects by identifying the gram panchayats” explained a government spokesperson aware of the development.

Additionally, the youth in the state will be given a 40% subsidy to set up solar plants ranging from 500kW to 2 MW on their own land or leased property. The power generated will be procured by the state electricity board.

Each 500kW solar plant will require an investment of approximately ₹2.10 crore and generate close to 2,250 units in a day. Moreover, it will help individuals earn around ₹25 lakh annually.

The Himachal government has set a target to turn the entire state into a green energy state by 31st March 2026. In April 2023, the state also announced plans to set up solar plants in the tribal districts of Pangi Valley.

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Resource: ET Energy

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