Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 11: The J&K Government today informed the Legislative Assembly that a 5.0 MWp (4.2 MW) floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project has been proposed at the Lower Jhelum Hydroelectric Project reservoir in Baramulla, at an estimated cost of Rs 18.5 crore and a levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of Rs 3.91 per unit.
In a written reply to a question by MLA Javid Hassan Baig, the Government said the J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) has engaged AHA solar Technologies Ltd and Fitchner Consulting Pvt Ltd to prepare a pre-feasibility report, which found the site technically suitable for the project.
However, it cautioned that the projected tariff is relatively high compared to cheaper power available in the market, which could pose challenges in securing buyers.
The House was also informed that the Government has identified 12 new small hydropower project (SHP) sites in Baramulla district, for which detailed project reports (DPRs) have been prepared.
Tenders will be floated in a phased manner under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode, the reply stated.
These include MHP Haji Peer (2.00 MW), Boniyar-III (2.80 MW), Limber (3.40 MW), Bijhamal (2.20 MW), Bijhama-II (10.00 MW), Lachipora (2.70 MW), Shranz-I (10.00 MW), Shranz-II (3.80 MW), Boniyar-II (3.00 MW), MHP Jabla (1.20 MW), MHP Dudhran (1.20 MW) and Hapatkhai MHP (1.10 MW), with a combined capacity of over 43 MW.
The Government further said the J&K Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) has recently allotted two hydropower projects in the district – the 5.50 MW Chandanwari Mini Hydel Project and the 0.20 MW Gulmarg Hydroelectric Power Station.
On solar development, the Government admitted that no feasibility or resource assessment has so far been conducted to evaluate Baramulla’s solar potential, despite its favourable topography and high solar exposure.
It said setting up a 100 MW mega solar project would require around 3,000 kanals of land, and the matter has been taken up with the district administration to identify suitable land banks.
Rooftop solar installations are being promoted under the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. For 2025-26, Baramulla has been assigned a target of 2,225 installations, of which 1,053 have already been completed.
The Government added that all feasible Government buildings are being solarised under Capex and RESCO modes.
Under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) Model Solar Village programme, Delina village has been proposed for development as a Solar Model Village, Government informed.
Regarding public infrastructure, the Government said 451 Government buildings with a total installed capacity of 3,354.5 kW, three institutional buildings with 115 kW, and 76 residential buildings with 360.17 kW capacity have already been equipped with solar power systems in Baramulla.
At present, 3.83 MW of solar capacity has been installed, while another 1.36 MW is under installation. All feasible government buildings are targeted to be solarised by the end of the next financial year.
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