J&K Advances Renewable Energy Push as Satish Sharma Reviews Science and Technology Initiatives
Srinagar, July 28 (ANB): Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Tuesday reviewed the progress of major renewable energy, science and technology initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming the government's commitment to sustainable development, clean energy expansion and innovation-driven growth.
The review meeting was attended by Commissioner/Secretary, Science and Technology, Babila Rakwal, Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA, P.R. Dhar, and other senior officials.
The Minister assessed the implementation of flagship programmes being executed by the Department of Science & Technology, the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), and the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC). These included rooftop solarisation of government buildings, small hydroelectric projects, PM-KUSUM, biotechnology infrastructure and science outreach initiatives.
Reviewing the Solarisation of Government Buildings Programme, Sharma expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved under the CAPEX and RESCO models. Officials informed the meeting that 8,181 government buildings have been solarised with a cumulative installed capacity of 85.8 MW, placing Jammu and Kashmir third among 31 States and Union Territories in terms of the number of government buildings equipped with rooftop solar systems.
Under the CAPEX model, 65 MW capacity has been allocated for 5,600 government buildings, of which 3,388 buildings have already been solarised with an installed capacity of 46.8 MW. Materials have been supplied for another 1,462 buildings, while installations for 800 more buildings are underway. Under the RESCO model, work is progressing towards a target of 175 MW covering nearly 8,000 government buildings, with work orders issued for 1,360 buildings.
Describing the achievement as a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir's clean energy transition, the Minister said expansion of renewable energy infrastructure is essential for reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and lowering electricity costs.
"The remarkable progress in rooftop solarisation reflects the government's commitment to sustainable development. Jammu and Kashmir is steadily emerging as a frontrunner in renewable energy adoption, and these initiatives will be further strengthened with greater speed and transparency," Sharma said.
Reviewing the implementation of PM-KUSUM Component-B, officials informed the Minister that against the sanctioned target of 5,000 solar-powered agricultural pumps, applications have been received for 4,891 pumps, while 4,876 pumps have already been installed and commissioned, with only 15 installations remaining. Sharma said the scheme is transforming agriculture by providing farmers with reliable, affordable and environment-friendly irrigation facilities.
The meeting was also informed that nearly 250 MW of rooftop solar capacity has either been installed or is under installation across government buildings, while 125 MW of grid-connected solar power has been added by JAKEDA. Additionally, 33 MW rooftop solar systems have been installed under the MNRE scheme across nearly 5,500 households, over 70,000 solar street lights and 15,000 solar home lights have been installed during the past three years, and 2,214 government schools have been solarised with an installed capacity of around 8 MW. Seven small hydroelectric projects with a cumulative capacity of 35.25 MW have also been commissioned.
Reviewing the small hydro power programme, Sharma was informed that 58 hydroelectric projects with a cumulative potential of 323.90 MW have been identified through finalized DPRs across Jammu and Kashmir. Of these, 32 projects with a combined capacity of 62 MW have already been awarded during 2025, while additional projects are planned for implementation between 2026 and 2030.
The Minister directed the concerned agencies to expedite execution of the identified projects, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir possesses significant hydropower potential capable of providing reliable clean energy to remote and hilly regions.
Sharma also reviewed the progress of infrastructure projects being implemented by JKSTIC. Officials informed him that the Sub-Regional Science Centre at Lal Mandi, Srinagar has achieved nearly 85 per cent completion, while work is progressing on the Science Innovation Dissemination Centre (SIDC), which is being developed to provide advanced facilities for innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs.
Reviewing biotechnology infrastructure, the Minister was informed that the Industrial Biotechnology Park at Kathua has been completed and its operationalisation has commenced in collaboration with IIIM Jammu, while construction of the Industrial Biotechnology Park at Handwara has reached around 85 per cent completion. He directed the authorities to resolve pending issues and ensure early completion of the project.
The Minister also reviewed science popularisation programmes, sponsored research initiatives, science talent promotion schemes, bio-farms and other innovation-driven projects being implemented by JKSTIC.
Reiterating that science, technology and renewable energy remain central to Jammu and Kashmir's development strategy, Sharma said investments in renewable energy, biotechnology, scientific research and innovation infrastructure will strengthen public service delivery, generate employment, promote entrepreneurship and contribute significantly to the region's economic growth.
He directed officials to adhere to strict timelines for all ongoing projects, ensure efficient utilisation of public resources and closely monitor implementation so that the benefits of these initiatives reach the people in a timely and effective manner.
