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J&K’s solar surge stalls, needs urgent spark

Only 15 MW added in 3 years; experts urge mass awareness, incentives
12:28 AM Jan 22, 2024 IST | MUKEET AKMALI
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Srinagar, Jan 21: In the wake of the global push for clean energy, Jammu and Kashmir finds itself at a crucial juncture, facing the imperative need to redouble efforts in bolstering solar installations.

The recent data from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy highlights a modest growth in solar generation capacity over the past three years, signalling the urgency for accelerated initiatives.

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As of April 2020, J&K boasted a total solar power installed capacity of 40.63 megawatts (MW).

However, the latest figures, covering the period from April 2020 to October 2023, reveal a meagre addition of just 15 MW, bringing the cumulative solar power capacity to 55 MW by the end of October 2023.

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The comparative analysis of J&K’s solar power growth against other states underscores the need for a more robust and accelerated approach.

While J&K recorded a modest increase of 15 MW in solar power capacity from April 2020 to October 2023, neighbouring Himachal Pradesh demonstrated a remarkable advancement, surging from 40 MW to 111 MW during the same period, reflecting a substantial 71 MW increase in solar power generation.

Gujarat stands out as one of the frontrunners in the renewable energy landscape, experiencing a massive leap from 2986 MW to an impressive 10,417 MW in solar power capacity.

Haryana exhibited substantial growth, elevating its solar power generation from 263 MW to 1224 MW. Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra have also made significant strides, with solar power capacities increasing from 3961 MW to 7164 MW, 5275 MW to 18089 MW, and 1835 MW to 5065 MW.

These comparisons underscore the urgency for J&K to emulate the success stories of its counterparts, taking inspiration from their innovative strategies, policy frameworks, and proactive measures to incentivise solar initiatives.

According to the data, overall India's solar power installed capacity has nearly doubled from 35,607 MW in 2020 to 72,018 MW till October 2023.

However, the slow pace and inadequate planning in developing solar energy plants have raised concerns among citizens and experts alike.

Expressing dismay over this shortfall, they emphasise the urgent need for a renewed government scheme.

Such a scheme should be supported by mass awareness, facilitation, and substantial subsidisation to encourage the swift establishment of solar plants in the region.

Experts said that a more proactive approach could yield significant benefits.

If only half of the registered consumers with distribution corporations in J&K initiated the installation of solar rooftop plants, approximately 50 percent of the energy demand for consumers could be met.

Unfortunately, the J&K government launched the rooftop solar scheme in 2021, almost a decade after it was introduced by the Union Ministry of Renewable Energy in the country.

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