Under the ‘Swaran Jayanti Energy Policy,’ which will be unveiled in the year 2022, the Himachal Pradesh government aims to add 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The state aims to be a significant clean energy hub with the government’s inclusion of large hydropower projects and projects over 25 MW under renewable energy. While presenting the budget for the financial year (FY) 2021-22, the Chief Minister stated that the state government granted power producers a one-time relaxation in November 2020, allowing them to build pending hydroelectric projects earlier.
Hydropower projects with a capacity of approximately 755 MW are anticipated to be finished in FY 2021-22, comprising 400 MW of Parvati-II, 180 MW of Bajoli Holi, 150 MW of Tidong-I, and 25 MW of Lambadug. Under the plug-and-play strategy, the state government would identify ten projects. It would then offer these projects to the private sector through a competitive bidding process after obtaining the requisite clearances.
The state government also advises phasing in grid-connected rooftop solar panels at all health and education facilities. For the proposed initiative, it has set a target of 2 MW rooftop capacity. In addition, the budget proposed distributing 250 W off-grid solar power systems to 1,500 BPL families in the Pangi valley, Lahaul, and Spiti.
In December 2021, The Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA), issued a request for proposals from Himachal-based enterprises to build ground-mounted solar installations in the state with capacities ranging from 250 kW to 1 MW. The scope of work comprised all stages of the project, from design through commissioning, as well as a feasibility survey and investigation. The bid submission deadline is January 27, 2022.
