Himachal Pradesh advances green energy projects in Spiti

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 Project has been completed, expected to generate 66.1 million units of electricity annually, reducing carbon emissions by 2,532 tonnes per year.

The state aims to install 500 MW of solar power through Himachal Pradesh Power Corp Ltd, with several projects underway. The government is also transforming its transportation sector, replacing fossil fuel vehicles with electric ones, led by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

Himachal Road Transport Corp (HRTC) is transitioning to electric buses, with 110 buses and 50 taxis already in operation. The state has allocated Rs 327 crore to procure 2,000 more Type-II electric buses.

Additionally, six green corridors are being developed, with the Kiratpur-Manali corridor already operational. Work has begun on Himachal’s first green hydrogen-based mobility station in Chamba, expected to be completed by August 2025. This Rs 14 crore project by NHPC will produce 20 kg of green hydrogen daily, contributing to sustainable transport in the region.