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Himachal Pradesh unveils plan for 100% electric public transport by 2025

India, News

Himachal Pradesh is set to fully electrify its public transport system, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu announcing a plan to convert the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) fleet to 100% electric by March 2025.  The transition to electric vehicles aims to reduce the environmental impact and improve HRTC’s financial performance, positioning it as a key player in sustainable transport across Himachal Pradesh’s challenging terrain.

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Three bidders shortlisted for Himachal Pradesh hydropower transmission project

India, News

REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL) has shortlisted Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Sterlite Power, and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) for setting up evacuation infrastructure for hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh under the ISTS scheme. This project, housed under Shongtong Power Transmission Ltd, follows a tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process. The three developers have cleared the technical bid stage, and their initial price bids will soon be opened. The bidding will…

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Himachal Pradesh to develop pumped storage projects, approves first two schemes

India, News

The Himachal Pradesh government has initiated pumped storage projects (PSPs) with the approval of two key projects: the 1,630 MW Renukaji pump storage project in Sirmaur district and the 270 MW Thana Plaun pump storage project in the Beas Basin, Mandi district. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the projects have been allotted to Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation (HPPCL), with work already underway. The Renukaji project will generate 40 MW, and the Thana Plaun hydropower…

How Himachal Pradesh reduced its electricity procurement cost?

Power 101

Himachal Pradesh has long been recognized for its abundant natural resources, particularly its potential for hydroelectric power generation. Despite this, the state faced challenges related to high electricity procurement costs. However, in recent years, Himachal Pradesh has reduced its electricity procurement cost from over Rs 9 per unit to approximately Rs 5.25 per unit. This significant reduction is a result of strategic decisions, policy reforms, and effective resource management. Here’s an in-depth look at how…

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Himachal Pradesh advances green energy projects in Spiti

India, News

Himachal Pradesh is pushing forward with green energy initiatives in Spiti and Una to address climate change. A major project is the upcoming 1,000 MW hybrid solar and wind energy Mega Solar Park in Spiti, Lahaul-Spiti. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has called for central assistance through the Green Corridor Transmission to fully leverage the state’s renewable energy potential, which is vital for mitigating global warming. In the Una district, the 32 MW Pekhubela Solar Power…

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Shongtong HEP in Himachal Pradesh receives stage-II clearance

India, News

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted Stage-II clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) to the Shongtong Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district. The approval, pending since 2018, was essential for using approximately 17 acres of land for the 450 MW Shongtong Karchham Hydro Electric Project. The Stage-I clearance was initially granted on March 19, 2024. Following this, the state government submitted a compliance report and requested final…

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Centre, Himachal discuss 4,300 MW pump storage projects

India, News

Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, held a meeting in Shimla to review Himachal Pradesh’s urban development initiatives and power sector advancements.  Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Public Works & Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and senior state and central government officials attended the meeting, focusing on the state’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and hydroelectric projects. During the discussions, potential collaboration between Himachal Pradesh and the Bhakra Beas Management…

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It’s time for Punjab to hand over Shanan power project to Himachal: CM Sukhu

India, News

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the historic 110 MW Shanan Power House in Mandi district, emphasizing the need for its control to be transferred to the Himachal Pradesh government following the expiration of the lease period.  Although the power house is currently operated by the Punjab government, Sukhu mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding its handover. He noted that the Shanan project, built over a century ago, is not covered under the…

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Powergrid InvIT announces H1 FY2024-25 results

India, News

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has released the half-yearly report for its Infrastructure Investment Trust, POWERGRID Infrastructure Investment Trust (PGInvIT). PGInvIT recorded a consolidated income of Rs 6,557.15 million for H1 FY2024-25, reflecting strong revenue generation. Net distributable cash flows reached Rs 5,228.20 million, with total distributions of Rs 5,460 million to unitholders. The Trust also reported EBITDA of Rs 6,125.07 million and a margin of 93.41%. PGInvIT manages five transmission assets in…