Himachal Govt aims to add 500-MW solar power capacity in two years
1-MW green hydrogen energy plant also being developed
The Himachal Government has set a target of installing 500 megawatts of solar power capacity within two years. Several solar projects in Una and Bilaspur districts, including the Pekhubela, Bhanjal, Aghlor and Baira Dol projects, with a combined capacity of 52 MW, have generated about 114.27 million units of electricity and more than Rs 34.83 crore in revenue.
“These projects represent an important step in strengthening solar power generation in the state,” said a government spokesperson. He added that hydropower projects continue to remain the backbone of the state’s renewable energy sector and plays a crucial role in supporting the economy. Major projects such as the 100-MW Sainj Hydroelectric Project in Kullu district, the 65-MW Kashang Stage-I Project in Kinnaur and the 111-MW Sawra-Kuddu Project in Shimla have together generated around 2,419.97 million units of electricity and nearly Rs 969.95 crore in revenue.
In addition, the completion of 13 hydropower projects has added 1,229 MW of power generation capacity, further strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure. Along with expanding hydropower, the government is also embracing emerging clean energy technologies. A 1-MW green hydrogen energy plant is being developed at Nalagarh in Solan district, marking a step toward future-oriented energy solutions. “Another initiative is the launch of India’s first state-supported biochar programme, under which a biochar plant will be established in Neri in Hamirpur district to support climate and sustainability efforts,” he added.
He said the government had introduced measures to encourage investment in solar energy. Under a first-come-first-served scheme, solar projects ranging from 250 kilowatts to 5 megawatts are being allotted to investors and the electricity generated from these projects will be purchased by the HP State Electricity Board Ltd. So far, 547 investors have been allotted ground-mounted solar power projects with a total capacity of 595.97 MW. In addition, through HIMURJA, solar projects with a capacity of 728.4 MW have been allocated to the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, of which projects with a capacity of 150.13 MW have been initiated.
‘Tribal regions priority’
The spokesperson said that ensuring reliable electricity supply in remote and tribal regions had also been a priority. Solar off-grid systems have been installed in 148 households in high-altitude villages of the Kaza region of Lahaul-Spiti district. Battery energy storage systems of 400 kilowatts are also being installed at Hillor and Dharbas villages of Pangi valley to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in tribal areas.
At the grassroots level, the state government has launched the Green Panchayat Programme, which places rural communities at the centre of the renewable energy transition. Under this initiative, 500 kilowatt ground-mounted solar power plants will be installed in panchayats.
