Himachal Pradesh Government Launches ‘Come and Install Solar Power Projects’ Initiative to Boost Green Energy Sector.
Chief Minister Directs Officers to Expedite Processes, Enhance Revenue Generation and Promote Youth Entrepreneurship.
Shimla:
In a significant move towards transforming Himachal Pradesh into a green energy state, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the launch of the ‘Come and Install Solar Power Projects’ initiative. The objective of the initiative is to encourage youth and entrepreneurs in the state to set up solar energy projects in the private sector. The Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting today with officials from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL), the Energy Department, and other relevant departments to discuss the implementation of the initiative.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the importance of solar energy in driving the state’s economic growth and environmental conservation. He stated, “Solar energy projects not only help in boosting economic development but also provide significant employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth. Moreover, they are crucial in maintaining ecological balance and advancing our efforts towards sustainable energy.”
As part of the initiative, the state government has committed to providing a streamlined process for setting up solar power projects. Clear instructions have been issued to fast-track the decision-making process, minimize paperwork, and expedite the necessary formalities for project approvals. The government is also offering all required assistance to project applicants, making the entire process more accessible for interested parties.
The Chief Minister provided updates on the progress of solar power projects in the state. “A total of 300 MW of ground-mounted solar power projects have been allocated to the private sector, with 62 MW already operational. In the government sector, 32 MW of solar projects are operational, and an additional 15 MW is in the pipeline,” he stated. These efforts are aimed at increasing the state’s renewable energy capacity while reducing its reliance on conventional sources.
Additionally, Chief Minister Sukhu reviewed the operations of HPSEBL and directed the authorities to adopt innovative measures to boost revenue and enhance resource utilization across various projects. He sought suggestions for improving the production capacity of solar projects and enhancing the overall efficiency of the energy sector.
The Chief Minister also focused on ensuring transparency and timeliness in the tender process for solar power projects. He reviewed energy procurement and expenditure details for various ventures, providing clear instructions to the Electricity Board to improve management practices. The Chief Minister urged HPSEBL officials to address the technical and commercial losses at the divisional and circle levels, while also recommending steps for better revenue mapping to optimize financial performance.
Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Ram Subhag Singh; Chairman of HPSEBL, Sanjay Gupta; Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rakesh Kanwar; Managing Director of HPSEBL, Sandeep Kumar; Director of Energy, Rakesh Kumar Prajapati; and Special Secretary of Energy, Arindam Chaudhary, along with other senior officers, attended the meeting.
The government’s push to promote solar energy underscores its commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a leader in green energy, while fostering economic opportunities and sustainable development for the state’s residents.
