Solar power plants to be set up on government land in 100 panchayats

The state government today notified the Green Panchayat Scheme under which solar power projects would be set up on waste or barren government land in 100 panchayats. The income from these projects would be spent on green initiatives and development works in the area.

The scheme has been notified for achieving the target of making Himachal a ‘green energy state’ by 2026 by harnessing its abundant solar energy potential. Under the scheme, 500 kW (AC) ground-mounted solar plants will be set up on waste government land in 100 panchayats.

The panchayats will utilise the income from solar power generation on green initiatives like the installation of grid-connected rooftop solar plants in government buildings, rejuvenation of natural water bodies, deployment of solar agricultural pumps, afforestation and plantation drives, collection and disposal of waste.

The aim of the scheme is to generate power close to consumption site, as it will help in reducing transmission and distribution losses, ensure energy access in remote rural areas and strengthen the local economy. The move is also aimed at promoting decentralised power generation at the panchayat and village level.

The panchayats will get 30 per cent of the revenue generated from the sale of power from these solar plants. The revenue generated will be spent on development works in the area. As per the scheme, the gram panchayat concerned will issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) if the selected land is recorded as its property. HIMURJA will prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) and invite contractors to set up solar power plants.

Himachal has been assigned the target of generating 1,995 MW solar energy by 2030, as part of the Central Government’s vision to promote renewable energy. The site for setting up these solar plants will be based on the criteria like south-facing orientation, minimum of one hectare area, free from significant tree growth and preferably within 500 m of an 11 kV transmission line.

As per the revenue-sharing pattern from the income from these solar plants, the state government will get 20 per cent in its treasury, 20 per cent will go to HIMURJA for maintenance and operation, another 10 per cent to HIMURJA as share in income, 30 per cent to gram panchayats for development works and another 20 per cent to the panchayats for providing financial assistance to widows and orphans within their jurisdiction.

After the completion of the operation and management period of five years, HIMURJA will run it for the next 20 years. It will also sign a power-purchase agreement with the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB), as per the tariff approved by the HP Electricity Regulatory Authority. HIMURJA will also apply for a connectivity agreement with the HPSEB.

Income to be used for development

• Under the scheme, 500 kW (AC) ground-mounted solar plants will be set up on waste government land in 100 panchayats
• The scheme aims to generate power close to consumption place, as it will help reduce transmission and distribution losses
• The panchayats will get 30 per cent of the revenue generated from the sale of power from these solar plants
• The panchayats will utilise the income from solar power generation on development works and green initiatives
• The state government will get 20 per cent of the revenue generated from these solar power plants in its treasury