Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Mar 14: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories are likely to depend on nearly 30 per cent of coal-based energy by the year 2030.
According to official documents, the likely total projected contracted capacity for the year 2035-36 is around 11,001 Megawatts (MW).
“The projected contracted capacity consists of 3239 MW from coal, 129 MW from gas, 68 MW from nuclear, 3666 MW from hydro, 2040 MW from solar, 598 MW from Distributed Renewal Energy (DRE) and 1261 MW from MTOA or STOA,” it reads.
The documents reveal that the capacity shall be able to meet the projected demand with prescribed reliability criteria.
It further said that any deviations in the commissioning schedule of the planned capacity could result in a situation where the UT is unable to meet the projected peak demand and energy requirements identified with the available resources.
“Such changes may also lead to an increase in the cost of reliably meeting the UT’s power demand,” it reads.
In February 2025, it was reported that Jammu and Kashmir has informed Central Electricity Authority (CEA) that it has planned an additional 2200 Megawatts (MWs) of power till 2030.
This includes nearly 1,000 MWs of coal and solar energy, with the officials saying that “Last JKPDD has already entered a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) of coal-based power of over 390 MWs under Shakti Policy.”
In December 2025 it was reported that Jammu and Kashmir imports more than 95 per cent of its electricity—a stark dependency that leaves the region vulnerable as it grapples with an 800 MW power deficit.
In that month, Jammu and Kashmir was importing electricity ranging from 2900 MWs to 3100 MWs during the peak hours.
The officials had said that during the other hours, the region is importing electricity ranging from 2400 MWs to 2800 MWs.
The official, however, had clarified that the power import includes all the sources including the power allocated from the centre and other Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). (KNO)
