PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haridwar
In a written reply to a query of the Member of Parliament, Haridwar and former chief minister, Trivendra Singh Rawat, the Union minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, Shripad Naik shared detailed information about the important initiatives taken in the renewable energy sector in Uttarakhand.
He informed that three important hydroelectric projects are under construction in the State: Vishnugad Pipalkoti – 444 MW, Tapovan Vishnugad – 520 MW and Lakhwar Multipurpose Project – 300 MW.
Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, 7,196 solar rooftop systems have been installed in Haridwar district so far, he informed. He further stated that as of October 31, Uttarakhand has been allocated 3,685 solar pumps of which 1,636 have been installed.
He also mentioned in his reply, the scheme launched by the Uttarakhand government with a target of about 250 MW under which solar plants with capacities of 20 kW, 25 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW and 200kW are being made available to individuals.
The Union Minister stated that the important decisions the Central government has taken with focus on Uttarakhand’s development include tariff based competitive bidding norms for solar-wind projects, Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) till 2030, waiver of ISTS charges on solar-wind projects till 2032, Quality Control Order on solar products, Green Energy Open Access Rules, Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) and National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Thanking the Union minister, Rawat said that Uttarakhand’s hydrological, solar and mountainous conditions make it a natural capital of renewable energy. “The data released by the Central government clearly demonstrates that the State is rapidly progressing toward becoming a green energy hub,” he said.
The former chief minister further said that the Central government is resolved to make Uttarakhand a leading State in solar and hydropower production. “The new green energy projects coming up across the State will help Uttarakhand emerge as a powerhouse of clean energy in the coming years,” he noted.
Rawat expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that a strong roadmap has been laid down under his developmental vision for long-term energy security for Uttarakhand.
