Srinagar, Mar 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government informed the Legislative Assembly on Saturday that the Union Territory has a hydropower potential of 18,000 megawatts (MW), solar energy capacity of 11.1 gigawatts (GW), and a proposed 1,320 MW thermal power project. The information was provided in response to questions raised by Mubarak Gul during the session.
The government detailed that out of the 18,000 MW hydropower potential, 14,860 MW has been identified, with the Chenab basin alone accounting for 11,283 MW. To date, 3,540.15 MW (23.81%) of this capacity has been harnessed. The Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) has developed 1,517.4 MW, while the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has generated 2,250 MW. Additionally, Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have contributed 92.75 MW.
On solar energy, the government reported that Jammu and Kashmir has a solar potential of 11.1 GW, primarily in Ladakh. However, large-scale solar projects have encountered challenges due to the region’s topography. Despite these hurdles, 75 MW of rooftop solar power plants have been installed across districts under schemes supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The government also highlighted that 3,879 government buildings have been solarized, generating a total capacity of 28,676 kW. Major contributions came from Jammu (14,523 kW), Srinagar (7,461 kW), and Reasi (3,676 kW). In the domestic and institutional sectors, 5,844 buildings have been solarized, adding 34,198.36 kW, with Jammu (23,028.13 kW), Srinagar (8,516.81 kW), and Basanulla (548 kW) being key contributors.
Regarding thermal power, the government stated that a 1,320 MW thermal project has been sanctioned at Bilhaur, linked to the 396 MT Kokanahi-Laburi coal block. A joint venture agreement was signed between JKSPDC and NTPC in 2015, but the project has yet to be implemented.
Additionally, the government provided details on power sector procurement over the last two years, including electric utility poles, HT/LT wires, and transformers, with district-wise and supplier details available in official records.
The discussion in the Assembly emphasized Jammu and Kashmir’s significant energy potential and the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance power infrastructure, which is crucial for the region’s economic growth and sustainability.
