J&K CM asks S&T Department to Undertake Projects for Harnessing of Solar Energy in a Big Way

“Jammu and Kashmir has a fair potential for developing wind and solar energy which if harnessed adequately would rid the state of its energy deficiency.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has asked the Science and Technology (S&T) Department to undertake projects for harnessing of solar energy in a big way to supplement the energy needs of the state.

Chairing a review meeting of J&K Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) and Science and Technology Innovation Council here today, the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir has a fair potential for developing wind and solar energy which if harnessed adequately would rid the state of its energy deficiency.

Mehbooba Mufti asked the concerned department to come up with projects in this regard and see that these are executed on the ground at the earliest.

State Minister for Social Welfare and Science and Technology Sajad Gani Lone too was present in the meeting.

On the occasion, the meeting was apprised of the enhanced mandate of JAKEDA for taking up of solar power plants from two megawatts to 10 megawatts.

It was also told that 25 sites have been identified in the state for setting up solar power plants with generation capacity of around 41 megawatts of power.

The meeting was conveyed that under the Grid Connected Rooftop Power Plants Scheme, the Department has fixed a target of setting up plants up to 450 megawatts capacity by 2022.

Also a wind energy plant of six megawatts capacity is being set up at Bidda in Reasi district at a cost of  Rs. 45 crore for which the land is being acquired.

Source: PTI