(a) whether the Leh Ladakh and Lahaul Spiti regions of the country received one of the best solar insolation for generation of electricity through commercially available technologies;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has drawn any realistic plan to harness the renewable energy potential of the above regions; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with its operationalisation status?
MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)
(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. The leh, Ladakh and Lahaul Spiti regions are among the regions receiving highest solar insolation
in the country.
(b): While most part of the country, on an average, receives 3-5 kWh/m2/day of solar insolation, Leh receives,
on an average, solar insolation of over 5 kWh/m2/day
(c)&(d): The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing a project entitled ‘Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative’
to minimize dependence on diesel in the Ladakh region and meet power requirement through local renewable sources. The approach is to meet power requirements through small / micro hydel and solar photovoltaic power projects /systems and use solar thermal systems for water heating / space heating / cooking requirements. The project envisages setting up of solar power plants in 70 villages and 120 institutions and distribution of solar systems in the region. The project also aims at setting up of 30 small/ mini hydel projects with an aggregate capacity of 23.8 MW. The project is under implementation since 1st June, 2010.