Hydropower state’s backbone, says CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 19

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Saturday said though there was a shift towards renewable sources of energy like solar and wind power, hydro-power generation remained the backbone of the hill state.

The Chief Minister said this while presiding over the inaugural session of a workshop on “Grid connected Rooftop Solar Programme” organised jointly by HIMURJA and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

“The significance of hydel power must not be underestimated as five rivers flow through the state, having immense hydro-power potential,” he stated.

He said the state had embarked upon 100 per cent clean electricity policy and Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) was meeting its energy requirement from hydel generation. Solar power was the only alternative for electrification of the left-out hamlets, facing low voltage problem, which would provide uninterrupted power through decentralised solar photovoltaic applications.

Virbhadra said barring a few months, Shimla was also suited for generating solar rooftop energy. “The tribal belt of Lahaul and Spiti has enormous potential for generation of solar power and the day is not far when Himachal will start generating solar power soon,” he stated. Both electricity board and HIMURJA had been directed to work in close coordination to achieve the purpose.

Mayor, Shimla Municipal Corporation, Sanjay Chauhan said the impact of fossil fuels needed to be curbed. He said Himachal had a vast potential of solar power and the rooftop solar programme would help people get relief from huge electric bills.

Tarun Shridhar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power, said awareness programmes need to be organised to encourage people to harness solar energy. “Solar energy will be beneficial as rooftop grid connected plants will assure quality and uninterrupted power,” he said.