Harnessing Renewable Energy for Kashmir’s Economic Renaissance

Kashmir, endowed with rich natural resources and breathtaking landscapes, is uniquely positioned to harness renewable energy. With abundant sunlight, flowing rivers, and favorable wind conditions, the region holds vast potential for renewable energy production. Strategic investments in these resources could transform Kashmir into a hub of sustainable economic growth, providing employment opportunities and resilience for its people. My vision for Kashmir centers on seizing this opportunity to foster economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social progress.

Government Policies: Laying the Foundation for Renewable Growth

Renewable energy has been identified as a cornerstone of India’s broader energy strategy, and Jammu & Kashmir stands to benefit immensely from this focus. The National Solar Mission aims to capitalize on the region’s abundant sunshine, while the Hydro Energy Policy emphasizes harnessing the power of Kashmir’s rivers for clean electricity. At the state level, initiatives such as subsidies for solar installations and public-private partnerships reflect a commitment to fostering renewable growth and making sustainable energy accessible to all.

Despite these policies, there remain challenges in bringing renewable projects to fruition, primarily due to logistical issues and implementation delays. These obstacles, however, are not insurmountable, and with increased focus on localized execution, the potential for renewable energy adoption in Kashmir is boundless.

Solar and Hydropower: Pillars of Sustainability in Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) has recently taken significant strides towards solarisation by issuing e-tenders for installing 344 MW of solar rooftop plants across the Union Territory. This includes 70 MW for 8,548 government buildings under Capex mode and 238 MW for 9,877 buildings under RESCO mode. To date, 36 MW of solar capacity has already been installed, marking meaningful progress in the region’s renewable energy journey. These developments underscore the region’s potential to lead in solar power production and serve as a model for renewable energy adoption.

Hydropower continues to be a cornerstone of Kashmir’s renewable energy potential. The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy announced that the energy deficit in Jammu & Kashmir has dropped from 17.8% in 2018-19 to just 1.5% in 2023-24, thanks to ongoing renewable energy projects. Four major hydroelectric projects—Kiru (624 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Karnah (12 MW)—have been launched since 2019, with a combined capacity of 2,026 MW. Over the next 8 to 10 years, an additional 7,000 MW of hydropower capacity is expected to be added, significantly boosting the region’s energy security and economic prospects.

The Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDC) has also generated over 48,808 million units of energy since 2014-15 from 13 hydropower projects. This focus on hydropower is not only transforming the local energy landscape but also creating jobs in economically underdeveloped areas, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.

While existing hydroelectric plants contribute to the local grid, there remains vast potential for expansion. A focus on micro-hydel projects could provide reliable electricity to remote villages, ensuring energy access even in the most isolated areas. Public-private partnerships and investments will be pivotal in scaling these solar and hydro initiatives to meet both local and regional energy needs.

E-Rickshaws: Green Mobility and Economic Empowerment

One of the initiatives I have spearheaded through KYARI (Kashmir’s Yumberzal Applied Research Institute) is the introduction of e-rickshaws in Srinagar, in collaboration with Stairs - Empowering Youth. This project promotes sustainable transportation while uplifting economically disadvantaged communities. E-rickshaws, powered by renewable energy, provide an eco-friendly alternative to conventional vehicles, significantly reducing emissions and contributing to a cleaner, healthier urban environment.

Beyond transportation, the e-rickshaw initiative is a powerful tool for social empowerment, providing livelihoods to economically marginalized individuals. Many young people have seized this opportunity, securing stable incomes while contributing to a greener Kashmir. This initiative is a testament to the dual impact of renewable energy—addressing environmental concerns while driving economic empowerment—and highlights the transformative potential of community-driven green solutions.

Empowering Women and Youth: The Heart of Renewable Growth

For renewable energy to truly benefit the people of Kashmir, it must be inclusive. At KYARI, we have focused on ensuring that women and youth are at the center of these renewable projects. Empowering women through initiatives like community solar installations is crucial to transforming their economic status and enabling them to participate in the decision-making process within their households. In the past year, we have seen women leading solar initiatives, training others in maintenance, and forming cooperatives to sustain these projects.

Similarly, the youth of Kashmir hold immense potential, and renewable energy projects present them with the opportunity to develop skills, engage in meaningful work, and build a sustainable future. From training in solar panel installations to participating in micro-hydel projects, young people have taken charge of their economic destiny, showcasing resilience and creativity.

Challenges on the Path to Renewable Energy Adoption

While the opportunities are vast, implementing renewable energy projects in Kashmir is not without its challenges. Logistical challenges pose a significant hurdle. The mountainous terrain and difficulty in accessing remote areas make transporting materials and building infrastructure a complex task. Connectivity issues further hinder the implementation of large-scale projects in the valley, particularly in villages that are not easily accessible.

Financial challenges are also a key concern. Funding renewable projects requires a concerted effort from both public and private sectors. Limited access to financing options and high upfront costs are significant barriers for smaller players who wish to contribute to the renewable energy landscape. Addressing these financial barriers with subsidies, incentives, and favorable loan schemes is essential to driving growth in this sector.

Policy implementation gaps also present a challenge. Although there are several policies aimed at fostering renewable energy, the gap between policy formulation and on-ground implementation often results in stalled projects. Streamlined, effective execution is necessary for these policies to bring about tangible change in the region.

Opportunities Ahead: Charting the Course for Renewable Growth

The future of renewable energy in Kashmir is filled with opportunities, and the roadmap to realizing this potential will require coordinated efforts. Increased collaboration between the government and private sectors can catalyze the growth of renewable energy, providing the needed capital and technological expertise. Moreover, emerging technologies such as advanced solar panels, efficient battery storage, and smart grid systems hold promise for making renewable energy projects more viable and scalable.

Cross-border renewable energy trade could also be a future possibility for Kashmir. Sharing renewable energy resources with neighboring regions would not only bolster local economies but also foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual growth. By investing in research and development, the region can innovate and find unique solutions to the challenges faced in implementing renewable energy.

Realizing a Sustainable Future for Kashmir

Harnessing renewable energy is an opportunity to transform Kashmir’s economy, environment, and society. It is a path to sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth. By focusing on solar, hydroelectric, and green transportation initiatives such as e-rickshaws, we can pave the way for a future where Kashmir thrives not only as a beautiful tourist destination but also as a beacon of sustainable development.

Together, by working across sectors and embracing innovative approaches, we can make renewable energy the foundation of a prosperous and self-sufficient Kashmir—a place where opportunities are limitless, and progress is shared by all.

About the Author

Arhan Bagati is a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit and a prominent figure in social work and public policy, focusing on the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He has a notable academic background, with studies at Pomona College, the University of Cambridge, and currently at Harvard, pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy. Arhan’s leadership extends beyond academia, particularly through his role as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India, and as the founder of KYARI, which addresses critical issues in Kashmir, from education to sustainable development.