The J&K administration has agreed to a Rs 400 crore project to install a grid-connected rooftop solar plant on all government buildings. Further, it will reduce carbon emissions and will generate job opportunities.
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has authorized a project to equip government buildings with grid-connected solar power systems with Rs 400 crore. The Administrative Council, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, aims to power public infrastructure.
The solar energy project is implemented by the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) with a total capacity of 270 MW of which 70 MW is under capital expenditure and 200 MW is in Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) mode. The project will be executed on rooftops of government buildings.
Solar power projects will have bi-directional smart meters and the Virtual net metering (VNM) benefit, which allows the generation of solar energy on site to offset electricity consumption at other
buildings within the same department.
It is estimated that the solar project will be installed by December 2025 and will remain free of cost for the next five consecutive years. The project will likely reduce a significant amount of carbon emissions of at least 8.3 million tons in over 25 years and will increase the job opportunities for up to 10,800. Further, the state will experience various economic benefits.
