Renewable Energy Initiative in Ladakh
Context:
The Cabinet has granted its consent for Phase-II of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) project, focusing on the Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) that will support a 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh.
Relevance:
GS-01, GS-02, GS-03 (Government policies and interventions, Mineral and Energy resources)
Highlights:
- This initiative is projected to be established by the fiscal year 2029-30 and is estimated to require a total investment of INR 20,773.70 crore, with 40 percent of this sum being provided as Central Financial Assistance (CFA).
- The Powergrid will be responsible for executing this project.
- The transmission network responsible for transporting the generated power will traverse through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, ultimately connecting to Kaithal in Haryana, where it will integrate with the National Grid.
- In addition, a linkage will be established from this Ladakh project to the existing Ladakh grid, guaranteeing a consistent power supply to the region.
- Furthermore, it will be linked to the Leh-Alusteng-Srinagar line, facilitating power supply to Jammu & Kashmir.
Advantages of the Project:
- Enhances the country’s long-term energy security.
- Fosters ecologically sustainable development by diminishing the carbon footprint.
- Presents substantial employment prospects, both direct and indirect, for skilled and unskilled workers in the power and related sectors, with a particular focus on the Ladakh region.
- Contributes to the achievement of the objective of reaching 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by the year 2030.
