Ladakh gets Centre of Excellence for smart energy and automation
Will equip local youth with advanced skills in renewable energy, industrial automation and emerging technologies
In a major step towards positioning Ladakh as a hub for clean energy innovation and future-ready technical education, the Union Territory administration on Saturday inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Smart Energy and Electrical Systems at the LREDA campus in Leh.
A statement said the Centre was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and has been established to equip local youth with advanced skills in renewable energy, industrial automation and emerging technologies suited to the Himalayan region.
Officials said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Skill India, Digital India and Make in India. The Centre houses advanced laboratories for industrial automation using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems, SCADA, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), smart electrical systems, building management systems, renewable energy technologies, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and fire and safety automation.
During the first phase, specialised training programmes will be offered in electrical installation and maintenance, industrial automation, building management systems, SCADA and IIoT, solar photovoltaic technologies, and electric vehicle charging and energy management.
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and industrial automation, is the technology partner for the Centre, while the LAHDC Leh has provided the building. The partnership aims to train engineers, ITI graduates and technical professionals in specialised fields such as high-altitude microgrids, renewable energy integration, smart automation systems, SCADA, PLCs and building management systems suited to mountainous regions like Ladakh.
Addressing the gathering, Saxena said Ladakh’s unique geography presents challenges as well as immense opportunities in renewable energy, smart infrastructure and climate-resilient technologies.
“The future of Ladakh lies in building a skilled, innovative and self-reliant workforce capable of leading the transition towards clean energy and advanced technologies. This Centre of Excellence will prepare youth for emerging sectors such as renewable energy, industrial automation, electric mobility and smart infrastructure. Our objective is not merely to create employment but to nurture innovators, entrepreneurs and technology leaders who will contribute to the sustainable development of Ladakh and the nation,” he said.
