FCC

Himachal govt advances green energy in Spiti and Una

2024-08-19

The Himachal Pradesh government is advancing green energy projects in the remote regions of Spiti and Una to address climate challenges in the state. A key initiative is the development of a Mega Solar Park in Spiti, located in Lahaul-Spiti, with a capacity of 1,000 MW of hybrid solar and wind energy. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu is advocating for central support to leverage this potential through the Green Corridor Transmission project. These efforts aim to tap into the state's abundant natural resources and mitigate the impacts of global warming.

Another significant milestone is the completion of the 32 MW Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Una, expected to generate 66.1 billion units of electricity annually and reduce carbon emissions by 2,532 tonnes per year. The state government has tasked Himachal Pradesh Power Corp Ltd with installing 500 MW of solar power, with several projects already in progress.

In line with its green energy vision, the state is also transforming its transportation sector. The Transport Department has led the transition by replacing fossil fuel vehicles with electric ones, including those used by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is gradually shifting its bus fleet to electric vehicles, with 110 electric buses and 50 electric taxis currently in operation. Additionally, Rs 3.27 billion has been allocated to procure 2,000 more Type-II electric buses.

Further enhancing its green initiatives, Himachal Pradesh is developing six green corridors, with the Kiratpur-Manali corridor already functional. Construction has also begun on the state's first green hydrogen-based mobility station in Chamba. This project, with an investment of Rs 140 million by the National Hydropower Corporation (NHPC), is set to produce 20 kg of green hydrogen daily and is expected to be completed by August 2025, contributing to sustainable transport in the region.

(ET)