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Himachal's Green Energy Race: How CM Sukhu Aims for 90% Renewables by 2026

Himachal Pradesh is charging towards an ambitious green future. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the goal to meet over 90% of the state's energy needs through renewables by 2026. A major push includes setting up 500 MW of solar projects and empowering local governance through the Green Panchayat Programme. The state is already seeing success, with several solar plants operational and attracting significant investor interest for future projects.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu Sets 90% Renewable Energy Target for 2026

  • State targets over 90% energy from renewables to become a Green Energy State by March 2026
  • Aims to install 500 MW of solar power projects within the next two years under new initiatives
  • Green Panchayat Programme to install 500 kw solar plants in all panchayats, starting with 24
  • 547 investors allotted solar projects totaling nearly 596 MW, with PPAs signed for over 403 MW
3 min read

Himachal sets target to meet 90 pc energy requirement through renewables, says CM Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh targets 90% renewable energy by 2026. CM Sukhu details solar power projects, Green Panchayat Programme, and investor initiatives for a green energy state.

"Aiming to make the state self-reliant in the energy sector... - Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, Dec 22

Aiming to make the state self-reliant in the energy sector, the Himachal Pradesh government has set a target to meet more than 90 per cent of its energy requirement through renewable energy sources and to transform it into a Green Energy State by March 2026, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here on Monday.

At present, the annual energy consumption of the state is nearly 13,000 million units.

He said the state has witnessed a massive shift towards harnessing solar energy due to the green initiatives and has set a target to set up 500 MW of solar power projects within the next two years.

Under the Green Panchayat Programme, gram panchayats have been placed at the centre of this initiative under which 500 kw ground-mounted solar power projects will be installed in all panchayats, he said.

In the first phase, approval has been granted for setting up 500 kw solar power plants in 24 gram panchayats, and work has already commenced in 16 such panchayats. Under this programme, a total solar power generation target of 150 MW has been set.

The Pekhubela Solar Power Project in the Una district commenced commercial operations on April 15, 2024. So far, it has generated 79.03 million units of net electricity and earned revenue amounting to Rs 22.91 crore.

Generation from the Aghlour Solar Power Project in Una district started on May 21. The project has so far produced 5.89 million units of net electricity. The Bhanjal Solar Power Project in Una district began commercial operations on November 30, 2024, and has generated 8.57 million units of net electricity, earning revenue of Rs 3.10 crore to date.

Currently, three solar power projects with a combined capacity of 31 MW are in the execution stage, while four solar power projects with a total capacity of 41 MW are at the tendering stage. A 200 MW solar power plant will also be established on barren land in the Damtal area of Kangra district. Solar off-grid systems have been installed in 148 households under corporate social responsibility in remote and tribal villages, Mud, Langza, Hikkim and Kaumik in Spiti.

Further, under the First Come, First Served policy, solar power projects ranging from 250 kw to 5 MW are being allotted. Electricity generated from these projects will be purchased by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL). So far, 547 investors have been allotted ground-mounted solar power projects with a total capacity of 595.97 MW. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have already been signed for projects with a capacity of 403.09 MW.

In addition, HIMURJA has allotted solar power projects with a total capacity of 728.4 MW to the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd, out of which 150.13 MW capacity of rooftop-mounted solar projects has already been allocated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Great initiative, but March 2026 feels very close. Setting up 500 MW in two years is a huge task. Hope the execution matches the vision. My main concern is the maintenance of these solar plants in remote areas like Spiti after installation. Who will look after them?
A
Aman W
The Green Panchayat Programme is the real hero here. Empowering local governance with energy production is a brilliant move. It creates local jobs, reduces transmission loss, and gives panchayats a direct stake in being green. Hope this becomes a case study for the entire country.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves visiting Himachal, this is wonderful news. Clean energy means cleaner air and preserved natural beauty for future tourists. Installing systems in remote tribal villages like Mud and Hikkim is also a great step for inclusive development.
V
Vikram M
The numbers are impressive – 595.97 MW already allotted to investors shows serious intent. Using barren land in Kangra for a 200 MW plant is smart land use. My only request to the government: please ensure transparency in the "First Come, First Served" allotments to avoid any controversies. Jai Himachal!
K
Karthik V
This is the way forward for a hilly state. Reduces dependency on outside power, especially in winters. Hope they also focus on micro-hydel and wind where feasible to have a balanced renewable mix. The revenue earned can be reinvested in local infrastructure. A solid, forward-looking policy.

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