To meet current deficiency, hydro electric projects to augment power situation in Ladakh region; eclipse in solar projects
Leh(Ladakh), June 12 -Even after signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Union Ministry of Renewable Energy for installing two mega solar power projects having total generation capacity of 7,500 megawatt in Ladakh region three years back, the same has yet to take any concrete shape on the ground. In 2011, the Union Ministry had conceived two solar projects, 5,000 MW in Leh and 2,500 MW in Kargil, and three years later it had entered into a formal agreement with the state government for its execution. However, no progress has been made since then. Besides the genuine fears expressed by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) about the terms and conditions for land acquisition by the Union government, the major reason for the inordinate delay in execution of the projects is due to non laying down of 750 KV Leh-Kargil- Srinagar transmission line, well informed sources in the local administration told Scoop News. According to Jammu and Kashmir Economic Survey Report, Ladakh region has a total potential of 111.5 Giga Watt of solar power, the second highest in India, which could be harnessed to generate clean energy to fulfill future requirements of the country.
Huge swathes of land were identified for the purpose both in Leh and Kargil districts, they said.
With Basgo and Chutuk hydel power projects in operation at present, the total generation capacity of twin districts from all its sources doesn’t exceed 165 MW, the sources said.
“There is a short fall of over 60 MW of electricity during peak hours at present. However, the second phase of Basgo and Chutuk is expected to add another 90 MW and may, therefore, ease the situation to a large extent,” they said, adding “the upcoming project of 220 KV transmission line connectivity between two districts and the villages is likely to improve the power situation in the region.”
Source:Scoop
