A Path to Sustainable Development
Kashmir’s energy deficit is well-documented. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD), the region faces a power deficit of around 20-25%, with demand often exceeding supply by 1,200-1,500 megawatts (MW). This deficit is exacerbated during winter months when heating needs surge, and hydropower generation—Kashmir’s primary energy source—declines due to freezing temperatures.
The reliance on hydropower, which accounts for over 80% of the region’s electricity generation, is increasingly unsustainable due to climate change-induced erratic rainfall and glacier melt. Additionally, the region imports a significant portion of its energy from neighboring states, leading to high costs and transmission losses. Most large hydropower projects in Kashmir are owned and operated by central government entities like the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) which controls 2,000 MW of Kashmir’s installed hydropower capacity but supplies only 12–15% of the generated power to the region (NHPC Annual Report, 2022). The remaining power is transmitted to the Northern Grid, benefiting other Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.
Kashmir’s geographical location and climatic conditions make it an ideal candidate for solar energy adoption. Despite the common misconception that solar energy is ineffective in colder regions, solar panels actually perform better in cooler temperatures.
Kashmir receives an average of 5-6 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/m²/day) of solar irradiance, comparable to many solar-rich regions in India. For instance, Leh-Ladakh, with similar climatic conditions, has successfully implemented large-scale solar projects.
The region has vast tracts of unused land, particularly in rural areas, which can be utilized for solar farms. Rooftop solar installations in urban areas can further supplement energy generation.
The central government’s target of achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030 includes significant investments in solar energy. Kashmir can leverage central and state government schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) and the Solar Rooftop Program, to promote solar adoption.
Despite its potential, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of solar energy in Kashmir: The upfront cost of solar panel installation remains a significant barrier for households and businesses, despite long-term savings. Many residents are unaware of the benefits of solar energy or the availability of government subsidies. The region’s underdeveloped grid infrastructure and frequent power fluctuations make it difficult to integrate solar energy seamlessly. Bureaucratic delays and a lack of clear policies for renewable energy projects have discouraged private investment.
To overcome these challenges and harness Kashmir’s solar potential, many effective strategies can be implemented. The government should increase subsidies for solar panel installations, particularly for low-income households and small businesses. Soft loans and tax incentives can further encourage adoption. Establishing community solar farms can allow multiple households to share the benefits of solar energy, reducing individual costs and increasing accessibility. Public awareness campaigns, supported by local governments and NGOs, can educate residents about the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy. Investments in modernizing the grid and developing energy storage solutions can ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
Encouraging private sector participation through PPPs can accelerate the development of large-scale solar projects. For instance, the success of the 5 MW solar plant in Leh can serve as a model for similar projects in Kashmir. Training programs for local youth in solar panel installation and maintenance can create jobs and ensure the sustainability of solar projects.
The 5 MW solar power plant in Leh, operational since 2015, has demonstrated the viability of solar energy in cold, high-altitude regions. The plant has reduced diesel consumption by 1.5 million liters annually, saving costs and reducing carbon emissions.
A pilot project in Srinagar installed rooftop solar panels on 50 government buildings, generating 1 MW of electricity and reducing energy costs by 30%. This project highlights the potential for scaling up rooftop solar installations in urban areas.
The project is part of a broader strategy to achieve 100% solar coverage of government departments by December 2025. The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) is overseeing the implementation, ensuring that various capacities of solar power systems are installed on available rooftops. These systems will include bi-directional smart meters, and the local distribution companies (DISCOMs) will provide Virtual Net Metering (VNM) benefits to optimize energy usage across different buildings within the same department. (https://tinyurl.com/bde6euas)
Countries like Germany, with a similar climate to Kashmir, have successfully integrated solar energy into their energy mix. Germany’s feed-in tariff system, which guarantees fixed payments for solar energy fed into the grid, can serve as a model for Kashmir. The FiT system guarantees fixed payments to renewable energy producers for the electricity they feed into the grid, providing long-term financial stability and incentivizing investment in clean energy.
To calculate the cost of installing rooftop solar power for an average household in Kashmir, we need to consider several factors, including the size of the solar system, the cost of solar panels and components, installation charges, and government subsidies.
The central government provides subsidies for rooftop solar installations under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) scheme. For residential systems, the subsidy is 40% for systems up to 3 kW and 20% for systems between 3 kW and 10 kW.
The installation of a 2 KW rooftop solar system for an average household in Kashmir would cost approximately ₹1,10,000, with a net cost of ₹66,000 after government subsidies. With annual savings of ₹21,900, the system would pay for itself in about 3 years. This makes rooftop solar a highly cost-effective and sustainable solution for addressing Kashmir’s energy crisis while reducing electricity bills and carbon emission.
Kashmir’s energy crisis presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By tapping into its vast solar energy potential, the region can achieve energy security, reduce its carbon footprint, and foster sustainable development. However, this requires a concerted effort from the government, private sector, and local communities. With the right policies, investments, and awareness, solar energy can illuminate Kashmir’s path to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Mufti Showkat Farooqi, Attorney at Law, New York, USA.
