Kashmir industrialists seek solar scheme rollout as govt pushes for 2025 deadline

Srinagar, Jan 8: As the government pushes forward with its ambitious 2025 deadline to saturate solar power plants on all government buildings, a resounding call for replicating the scheme in industrial estates across Kashmir has gained momentum.

Industry stakeholders are advocating for a strategic shift towards solar energy to alleviate the increasing power burden.

According to estimates of the Power Development Department (PDD), currently, the cumulative power consumption in Kashmir’s industrial estates stands at approximately 352 MW, a figure projected to surge to 390 MW in the next two years.

This surge in demand underscores the urgency for sustainable and innovative solutions to meet growing energy needs.

Experts in the field emphasise that the implementation of a solar scheme specifically tailored for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kashmir could usher in a win-win scenario for both industrialists and the government.

Advocating for the utilisation of factory rooftops for solar plant installations, these experts highlight the dual benefits that such an initiative could yield.

“On one hand, industrialists stand to gain significantly by shedding the burden of hefty power bills. The integration of solar power in their operations would provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, contributing to long-term savings and enhanced financial viability for the MSMEs operating in Kashmir,” they said.

Simultaneously, the government would see substantial economic advantages.

By shifting to green energy, the government could do away with the exercise of purchasing electricity at the rate of Rs 10 per unit, which it is doing currently and selling it to unit holders at over 50 percent less than the cost, and achieve significant cost savings.

“This financial efficiency not only aligns with the broader goal of reducing the economic burden on the union territory but also positions Jammu and Kashmir as a frontrunner in adopting green energy solutions that benefit both its industrial sector and the overall economy,” the expert said.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s directive to achieve the saturation of rooftop solar power plants on all government buildings in J&K by December 2025, in line with the Prime Minister's target established during the recently concluded Chief Secretaries' conference in New Delhi, has infused a sense of optimism among the industrialists.

Dulloo's foresight recognises that solar energy, being both clean and cost-effective, aligns perfectly with J&K's energy goals.

In support of this initiative, the Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has submitted a written memorandum to the Chief Secretary, emphasising the immense potential for the installation of rooftop solar plants on the expansive roofing areas of factory buildings in the region.

The memorandum submitted by the FCIK underscores the multifaceted benefits of implementing rooftop solar plants on the roofs of factory buildings.

The FCIK contends that such installations would not only enable participating enterprises to save significantly on their energy costs but also play a crucial role in mitigating distribution and transmission losses.

Additionally, it emphasises the positive impact on the burden placed on power distribution transformers for the Distribution Companies (DISCOM), contributing to a more efficient and robust energy infrastructure.

Beyond the economic advantages, the FCIK memorandum places a strong emphasis on the environmental benefits of embracing solar energy.

To further incentivise the adoption of rooftop solar plants, the FCIK has called for similar incentives as those provided for DG set subsidies.