Jammu, Dec 04 (KNS) : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on thursday while chairing a meeting to review the feasibility of establishing a large-scale Solar Park in Jammu & Kashmir under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) Solar Park Scheme directed the divisional administrations to expedite the identification of suitable, encumbrance-free land parcels for the project.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Secretary, Science & Technology; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Managing Director, JKPDC; and other senior officers.

Taking a district-wise review, the Chief Secretary stressed the importance of identifying sizeable land patches that are not earmarked for other developmental works and can be swiftly transferred for establishing clean energy infrastructure in the UT.

The Chief Secretary appreciated the Science & Technology Department for the progress achieved so far and the formulation of modalities required for advancing the initiative. He emphasized that harnessing solar power at large scale is pivotal for strengthening J&K’s renewable energy portfolio and reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

Secretary, Science & Technology, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, briefed the meeting on the contours of the MNRE Solar Park Scheme and highlighted successful models implemented in Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He informed that under the scheme, MNRE provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of up to ?20 lakh per MW or 30% of project cost including grid connectivity for infrastructure development, in addition to up to ?25 lakh per solar park for preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

Dr. Choudhary further informed that J&K has an assessed solar energy potential of around 20–22 GW, of which 72 MW has already been harnessed through solar rooftop installations on government buildings.

He added that as an initial step, the department has proposed setting up a Solar Park of 200–250 MW capacity, requiring approximately 5–7 acres per MW along with the necessary electrical and evacuation infrastructure.

The meeting also discussed the range of opportunities for J&K in the renewable energy sector, various implementation models available under the Solar Park Scheme, and the preliminary land parcels identified by the Divisional Commissioners. It further deliberated on key financial parameters, cost implications, and the overall viability of establishing the Solar Park in the UT.

The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and complete land feasibility assessments at the earliest, enabling J&K to take a significant step towards adoption of clean and sustainable energy.(KNS)