Jammu and Kashmir to generate 20,000 MW from solar energy by 2020

JAMMU - Jammu and Kashmir will generate 20,000 megwatts (MW) from solar energy by 2020, mostly in Ladakh region of the state, union New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah said Monday.

“The use of solar energy will help maintain the balance of environment,” Abdullah said in a public meeting in Drass, known as the gateway to Ladakh.

Possibilities will also be explored to produce more power from water and wind energy to minimise the huge expenditure incurred on exploitation of conventional source of energy, he said.

Abdullah said his ministry has sanctioned Rs.473 crore to generate solar power in Ladakh where people have very little access to conventional electricity.

He said that people interested in installing solar heating devices in their houses will be provided interest-free loans from the banks.

Eleven hydro electric power projects are under execution in the area which on completion will produce about 12 MW of power, a press release said.

The statement said the minister “instructed the concerned officers to exploit the natural resources to harness the power potential available in the area and to make proper use of funds earmarked for the specific projects.”