Jammu, Mar 22: The Jammu & Kashmir Government informed the Legislative Assembly on Saturday that only 23.54 percent of hydropower potential of the Union Territory has been harnessed so far.
In a written reply to a question of MLA Eidgah Mubarak Gul, Minister in-charge Power Development Department, Omar Abdullah, revealed that J&K has estimated hydropower potential of 18000 megawatts.
Out of which, 14867 megawatts of hydropower have been identified, the CM said, adding that 11283 MWs of hydropower have been identified in Chenab Valley, 3084 MWs in Jehlum basin and 500 MWs in Ravi basin.
The minister further informed the House that only 3540.15 MWs (23. 54 percent of identified potential) have been harnessed till date.
Of which 2250 MWs have been harnessed in the Central sector, 1197. 4 MWs in the UT sector and 92. 75 MWs in Independent Power Producers of mode.
As per the reply, J&K, NHPC manages six projects, J&K State Power Development Corporation 13 projects and Independent Power Producers (IPP) 12 projects.
The Minister also disclosed that erstwhile state of J&K has an estimated solar power potential of 111 GW with the majority of this potential concentrated in Ladakh UT.
The Minister said that due to the land-intensive nature of mega-sized solar power projects, their development in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has not been possible.
He said the identification of feasible land banks—requiring 500 acres for a 100 MW solar park—at single locations is challenging because of the region’s topography.
However, he added that rooftop solar power plants with a cumulative capacity of 75 MW have been installed across the Union Territory under various programmes of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. (KNO)
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