Though the world was shifting its focus toward other renewal sources of energy like solar and wind energy, yet the hydel generation remains the backbone of hilly states particularly Himachal Pradesh. The significance of hydel power should not be underestimated as well, as five rivers flow through the state having water in abundance.
This was stated by Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh while presiding over the inaugural session of the workshop on “Grid connected Rooftop Solar Programme” organized jointly by HIMURJA and Ministry of New and Renewable energy.
He said that the State had embarked upon hundred percent clean electricity policy and the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited, (HPSEBL) was meeting its entire requirement from hydel generation.
However, the hydro power, particularly the small hydro as Renewable Energy (RE), had a limited potential as compared to solar energy, which was more perennial and equitably distributed across the State. He said solar power was the only alternate for electrification of left-out hamlets with low voltage problem, which will provide uninterrupted power supply through decentralized solar photovoltaic applications. Apart from this, solar power producers were at liberty to dispose the power generated in any manner they choose i.e. captive consumption, sale to any consumer within the State or sale to HPSEBL to generate income, he said.
Barring few months, Shimla was also quite adaptable for solar rooftop energy and it would be a profitable venture, said the Chief Minister, adding that the tribal belt of Lahaul and Spiti had enormous potential for generation of solar power and the day was not far when Himachal would start generating solar power soon in near future. Both Electricity Board and HIMURJA have been directed to work in close coordination to achieve the purpose.
Mayor Shri Sanjay Chauhan while speaking on the occasion said that the impact of fossil fuels needs to be curbed and the world was considering to adopting solar power. He said Himachal had a vast potential of solar power and roof top solar programme would help people relieved from huge electric bills.
ACS, MPP & Power Shri Tarun Shridhar said that lot of awareness programmes needed to be conducted to make people used to harnessing of solar energy. He said Himachal was only first state in the country to achieve 100 percent electrification and that too because of renewable energy in form of hydel generation. He said that solar energy was also a part of renewal energy but let’s not completely push hydel energy in back corridors. Himachal was still known as a state leading in Hydel power generation and we need to study the global markets for solar energy. Though the solar energy would be quite beneficial as roof top grid connected plants would be quite useful as they will assure quality and uninterrupted power.
Earlier, Chief Executive Officer, HIMURJA Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh detailed about the rooftop solar programme in the state and said that the HIMURJA was committed to produce 3 MW of solar energy soon.
Deputy Mayor Shri Tikendar Panwar, Director, HIMURJA Shri K.L Thakur, Special secretary, Power, Shri Ajay Sharma were also present on the occasion amongst other stakeholders.