Electrifying Kashmir: Lessons from Riverless Regions
Electricity is the lifeblood of modern economies, and regions without rivers, dams, or hydroelectric power have successfully implemented innovative models to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. These models rely on solar power, wind energy, nuclear power, and natural gas-based plants. For a region like Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), predominantly dependent on hydroelectricity, adopting such strategies could be a game-changer, diversifying its energy mix while addressing local energy needs sustainably.
This article explores how states and countries without rivers generate electricity, assesses the feasibility of such models for Kashmir, and evaluates the costs and benefits of implementing alternative energy infrastructures.
Electricity Generation Without Rivers: Global Lessons
Countries and regions with limited or no river-based resources have harnessed various technologies to produce electricity. Prominent examples include:
- Solar Energy
Nations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are leveraging their arid landscapes to build large-scale solar farms. The UAE’s Noor Abu Dhabi project, for example, is one of the largest single-site solar plants globally, producing 1.18 GW of power.
- Wind Energy
Countries like Denmark and the Netherlands have achieved significant success through wind energy. Denmark generates nearly 47% of its electricity from wind, utilizing both onshore and offshore turbines.
- Nuclear Power
France, despite its limited natural resources, generates over 70% of its electricity from nuclear power. Nuclear energy offers a high-capacity, reliable solution for energy needs.
- Natural Gas
Qatar and Bahrain, lacking major rivers, use natural gas to power electricity plants. These systems are efficient, quick to establish, and cost-effective in the short term.
- Geothermal Energy
Iceland is a global leader in geothermal energy, using heat from beneath the Earth’s surface to power homes and businesses. This model is applicable in regions with geothermal potential.
Energy Challenges in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir's electricity generation is predominantly hydroelectric, accounting for over 80% of its total energy production. While this has traditionally been sufficient, challenges like seasonal water flow variations, climate change, and high transmission losses have highlighted the need for diversification. Moreover, winters in Kashmir lead to acute power shortages due to reduced river flow and increased demand for heating.
Alternative Energy Models for J&K
- Solar Energy in Kashmir
While Kashmir receives less solar insolation compared to desert regions, solar energy is still a viable option. With advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology, even regions with moderate sunlight can generate substantial power. Rooftop solar installations, floating solar farms on existing reservoirs, and community solar grids could be considered.
- Wind Energy
Though wind potential in Kashmir is moderate, certain areas, especially Ladakh and parts of Jammu, could support wind farms. Hybrid systems combining wind and solar can ensure stable energy generation.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Nuclear energy, in the form of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), offers a low-carbon, scalable solution. SMRs can be strategically located to serve localized demands without requiring extensive infrastructure.
- Biomass and Waste-to-Energy Plants
Biomass plants using agricultural and urban waste can provide a dual solution: waste management and energy production. Kashmir’s abundant horticulture and forest residues could be channeled into such systems.
- Battery Storage Systems
Energy storage is critical for regions relying on intermittent renewables like solar and wind. Developing a robust battery storage network would help Kashmir store excess energy for peak demand periods, especially in winters.
Estimated Costs for Infrastructure Development
The cost of setting up a comprehensive energy infrastructure for Jammu and Kashmir’s population (approx. 13 million) varies based on the chosen technology. Below is a rough estimate:
- Solar Energy
Cost per MW: ₹4.15 crore to ₹8.3 crore.
Capacity Needed: 1,000 MW.
Total Cost: ₹4,150 crore to ₹8,300 crore.
- Wind Energy
Cost per MW: ₹10 crore to ₹12.45 crore.
Capacity Needed: 300 MW.
Total Cost: ₹3,000 crore to ₹3,735 crore.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Cost per Unit: ₹830 crore per 300 MW.
Total Capacity Needed: 600 MW.
Total Cost: ₹16,600 crore.
- Battery Storage Systems
Cost per MW-hour: ₹1.66 crore to ₹2.5 crore.
Storage Needed: 500 MW-hour.
Total Cost: ₹415 crore to ₹830 crore.
- Biomass and Waste-to-Energy Plants
Cost per MW: ₹24.9 crore to ₹33.2 crore.
Capacity Needed: 100 MW.
Total Cost: ₹2,490 crore to ₹3,320 crore.
Estimated Per-Unit Costs
To calculate per-unit cost for consumers, we include the following assumptions:
Average life span of projects: 25 years.
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) costs: 2-3% of project cost annually.
Depreciation and interest rates: Considered for long-term recovery.
Load factor or efficiency of each technology: Solar (20%), Wind (30%), SMRs (90%), Biomass (50%).
Cost Breakdown Per Technology
- Solar Energy
Annual Generation: ~1.75 billion units for 1,000 MW capacity (20% efficiency).
Levelized Cost per Unit: ₹4.50–₹6.00 per kWh.
- Wind Energy
Annual Generation: ~0.79 billion units for 300 MW capacity (30% efficiency).
Levelized Cost per Unit: ₹5.50–₹6.50 per kWh.
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Annual Generation: ~4.73 billion units for 600 MW capacity (90% efficiency).
Levelized Cost per Unit: ₹6.50–₹7.50 per kWh.
- Biomass and Waste-to-Energy Plants
Annual Generation: ~0.44 billion units for 100 MW capacity (50% efficiency).
Levelized Cost per Unit: ₹7.00–₹8.00 per kWh.
- Battery Storage Systems
Adds ~₹1.00–₹1.50 per kWh to the base cost of solar and wind energy.
Blended Per-Unit Cost for Consumers
Considering a balanced energy mix (40% solar, 20% wind, 30% nuclear, 10% biomass) and battery storage for peak demands, the blended per-unit cost for consumers is estimated at:
₹5.50–₹7.00 per kWh, depending on the mix and financing models.
Implementation Strategy
A phased approach is essential for transitioning to a diversified energy system:
- Short-Term Goals (1–3 Years)
Pilot projects for solar rooftop installations.
Feasibility studies for wind farms and SMRs.
Establish small biomass plants to address localized demands.
- Medium-Term Goals (3–7 Years)
Large-scale deployment of solar and wind farms.
Installation of battery storage systems.
Initiation of SMR construction.
- Long-Term Goals (7–15 Years)
Operationalize SMRs.
Expand renewable capacities to meet future demand.
Establish robust transmission and distribution systems to reduce losses.
Benefits of Diversified Energy Models
- Energy Security
Reducing reliance on hydroelectricity ensures a stable energy supply during winters and dry seasons.
- Environmental Sustainability
Renewable energy sources produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global climate goals.
- Economic Growth
Investing in energy infrastructure generates employment and fosters local industries.
- Community Resilience
Decentralized energy systems empower communities, reducing dependence on centralized grids.
Challenges and Mitigation
- High Initial Costs
Renewable energy projects and SMRs require significant capital. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and international funding can bridge this gap.
- Land Acquisition
Solar and wind projects require substantial land. Using barren or underutilized land can mitigate this challenge.
- Technological Expertise
Kashmir needs a skilled workforce for maintaining advanced systems. Establishing technical training centers can address this need.
- Political and Bureaucratic Hurdles
Transparent policies and streamlined processes are crucial for smooth implementation.
Conclusion
Diversifying Jammu and Kashmir’s energy mix is not just feasible but essential. Adopting a combination of solar, wind, nuclear, and biomass-based systems ensures a reliable, sustainable, and resilient electricity supply. Although the initial investment may seem steep, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs, promising energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
By learning from global pioneers in alternative energy, Kashmir can chart a path toward a greener, self-sufficient future. It is not merely about generating electricity—it is about empowering a region to thrive, irrespective of geographical limitations.
An author, a communications strategist, Dr Sanjay Parva was a debut contestant from 28-Beerwah 2024 Assembly Constituency
