The government of Himachal Pradesh has set an ambitious goal of becoming the first ‘green energy state’ in India by 2025. The state aims to achieve this goal by increasing its renewable energy generation capacity and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
The state government has announced a series of initiatives to achieve this goal, including the development of new hydropower projects, the expansion of solar power generation, and the promotion of small hydro and micro-hydel projects. The state also plans to increase the share of renewable energy in its total power generation mix to at least 50% by 2025.
The state government has also announced a new policy to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. Under this policy, the government will provide incentives for the purchase of EVs, including subsidies on the purchase price, tax exemptions, and the establishment of charging infrastructure.
In addition to these initiatives, the state government is also working on promoting energy efficiency and conservation measures. The state has set a target to reduce its energy consumption by 15% by 2025 through the implementation of energy-efficient technologies and practices. The state’s efforts towards green energy are not only beneficial for the environment but also for the economy of the state, as it will lead to a reduction in the dependence on fossil fuels, and also create new job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
The government of Himachal Pradesh has also announced plans to collaborate with the private sector to promote investment in renewable energy projects. The state government will offer various incentives to companies investing in renewable energy projects, including tax holidays and subsidies on the purchase of equipment.
The state government will also invest in solar plants, installing 500 MW of solar projects between 2023 and 2024. Of this, 200 MW will be erected by HPPCL, with land selected for 70 MW capacity and the remaining locations to be confirmed soon. Solar projects with capacities ranging from 250 KW to 1 MW would be erected by HIMURJA with private involvement, he said, adding that preference will be given to Himachalis in awarding these projects.