Shimla, 18^th August, 2024-Himachal Pradesh is making remarkable strides toward becoming India’s first green energy state by March 31, 2026. The state government was working with utmost dedication to achieve this ambitious goal through the promotion of renewable energy sources and stringent environmental policies. These efforts were not only transforming the energy landscape of the state but also setting an example for the rest of the country.

A key pillar of this green energy revolution witnessed great demand for setting up solar power projects as the solar energy, being both renewable and environmentally friendly offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The State was capitalizing on this potential by supporting the installation of solar panels across the state. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Yojana, the government was providing a subsidy of 45 percent for solar panel installations of 100 to 500 KW on private land. Additionally, the state is issuing 10,000 permits for e-taxis with a 40 percent subsidy, further reducing the carbon footprint in the transport sector.

In its quest to combat climate change, the state government was initially promoting green energy projects in regions like Spiti and Una. The proposed Mega Solar Park in Spiti, with a capacity of 1,000 MW of hybrid solar and wind energy, exemplifies this commitment. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has actively advocated for central assistance to harness this potential through the Green Corridor Transmission. The state's natural resources offer immense possibilities and these initiatives were pivotal in mitigating the effects of global warming.

The state’s dedication to green energy was further demonstrated by the successful completion of the 32 MW Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Una district. This project is expected to generate 6.61 crore units of electricity annually, resulting in a reduction of 2,532 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The state government has set an ambitious target for the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited to install 500 MW of solar power, with several projects already under construction.

The State Government was also focusing on transforming its transportation sector to align with its green energy vision. The state’s Transport Department was the first to replace petro vehicles with electric ones with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister setting an example in their official travels. The Corporation (HRTC) was transitioning its fleet of buses to electric buses in a phased manner. Currently, 110 electric buses and 50 electric taxis were on the run. Apart from this, Rs. 327 crore has been allocated for the procurement of electric buses, with plans underway to acquire 2,000 more Type-2 electric buses.

The state was also developing six green corridors, with the Kiratpur-Manali corridor already operational. Additionally, work on the State's first green hydrogen-based mobility station in Chamba has commenced. Expected to be completed by August 2025, this project, costing Rs.14 crore, would be constructed by the National Hydropower Corporation (NHPC) and would produce 20 kg of green hydrogen daily, significantly contributing to sustainable transport in the region.

In addition to its green energy initiatives, Himachal Pradesh was leading the charge in the fight against plastic pollution. The state has been a pioneer in banning single-use plastics, significantly reducing plastic waste and contributing to a cleaner environment. This ban has been a model for other states to follow, underlining Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

Through these comprehensive efforts, Himachal Pradesh is not just moving towards becoming a green energy state but was also setting a national benchmark in environmental sustainability. With its innovative policies and unwavering commitment, the state was well on its way to securing a greener, cleaner future for its citizens and the country.