The upcoming green energy initiative, Mega Solar Park, situated in the remote Spiti region of Lahaul-Spiti, is set to become a landmark development, boasting a substantial capacity of 1,000 MW derived from a combination of solar and wind energy sources. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has advocated for central government support to fully leverage this potential through the implementation of the Green Corridor Transmission.
This initiative is expected to tap into the state’s rich natural resources, which present vast opportunities for sustainable energy development. According to an official statement released on Sunday, these efforts are crucial for addressing the challenges posed by global warming.
In addition to the Mega Solar Park, the state has made significant strides in its green energy transition with the completion of the 32 MW Pekhubela Solar Power Project located in the Una district. This project is anticipated to generate approximately 6.61 crore units of electricity each year, leading to a reduction of 2,532 tonnes in carbon emissions annually.
The government has ambitious plans for further growth in solar power, setting a target for Himachal Pradesh Power Corp Ltd to achieve an installed capacity of 500 MW. Several solar projects are already in progress to meet this target.
Furthermore, the state is making strides in transforming its transportation sector to align with its green energy goals. The Transport Department has taken the lead by replacing fossil fuel-powered vehicles with electric ones, with both the Chief Minister and the deputy Chief minister setting a notable example by using electric vehicles for official purposes.
In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, the Himachal Road Transport Corp (HRTC) is gradually converting its fleet to electric buses. Currently, the state operates 110 electric buses and 50 electric taxis, with plans to expand this fleet.
A substantial budget of Rs 327 crore has been allocated for the acquisition of electric buses, and there are plans to purchase an additional 2,000 Type-II electric buses. The state is also developing six green corridors, with the Kiratpur-Manali corridor already up and running. Moreover, work has begun on the state’s first green hydrogen-based mobility station in Chamba.
This project, which has a budget of Rs 14 crore and is being developed by the National Hydropower Corporation (NHPC), is expected to be completed by August 2025. It will produce 20 kg of green hydrogen daily, marking a significant step forward in promoting sustainable transportation in the region.
