Power Minister Tracks Progress On 10 GW Ladakh Solar Project

The much awaited and planned giant solar project at Ladakh, first mooted by Prime Minister Modi in 2018-19, continues to occupy the attention of the Power Minister, R.K. Singh. The project, originally seen as a 7.5 GW solar park in the union territory, has been delayed due to multiple issues, be it transmission costs, land acquisition, besides the logistical challenges of building it at that altitude. For the record, despite the cold, the region is considered a good prospect due to the high irradiation, low pollution and opportunity to clean up the energy grid with such a project in the eco-sensitive region. Pre-bid meetings at the early stage had attracted a lot of interest and queries.

R. K. Singh reviewed the implementation of the now 10 GW planned renewable energy project along with its evacuation plan On November 15.  R. K. Mathur, LG, UT of Ladakh, Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Power, Secretary (Power), Secretary (MNRE) and representatives of CEA, POWERGRID, SECI, Border Roads Organisations were present in the meeting.

Recollecting the announcement of Prime Minister Modi to set up a 7.5 GW of Solar Park in Ladakh (subsequently enhanced to 10 GW),  the Power Minister sought support of LG, Ladakh to sort out the land issues in setting up the project in Ladakh at identified areas of Pang. The LG assured to extend the support of UT of Ladakh for providing land for setting up of 10 GW of RE project. The required transmission system along with battery energy storage system for providing round the clock power was also reviewed.

Major outcomes of the meeting are as under:

• 20,000 acres of land at Pang would be provided immediately by UT of Ladakh for setting up of Renewable Energy Park, while availability of other 20,000 acres of land at Pang would be explored based on inputs provided by SECI.
• MNRE will send a team to Ladakh within a week to thrash out issues with support of UT administration.
• UT of Ladakh will receive revenue per annum on account of leasing of the land allocated for setting up of Renewable Energy project.
• CPSEs within MoP will undertake CSR activities for development in the region.
• 5 GW of transmission link from Pang (Leh)-Kaithal (Haryana) along with 12 GWh of Battery Energy Storage will provide 76% utilization of transmission capacity and would evacuate 13 GW of Renewable Energy Generation (9 GW_p Solar + 4 GW Wind)
• Out of 12 GWh battery energy storage, about 1- 2 GWh will be developed as part of transmission element to keep the line charged during the period of no generation, while the remaining battery energy storage could be developed as part of generation element.
• POWERGRID would revise their DPR for setting up of 5 GW transmission link including 2 GWh of battery energy storage and AC system strengthening in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir to provide RE power within Ladakh and also to Jammu & Kashmir.
• MNRE would move a proposal for providing Central Grant for development of the above transmission link as part of Green Energy Corridor.
• The transmission link should be completed within 5 years.

The Ladakh project is among the most ambitious renewable projects being planned out of the country, and has a significant role to play for the region’s energy needs sustainably.