Question : Power Projects in Ladakh

(a) whether the Government proposes to make Ladakh the first UT to function mainly on solar power, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(b)whether the Government also proposes to bring geo-thermal projects in Ladakh during the current year, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) the details of hydro power projects constructed/under construction along with their installed capacities in Ladakh;

(d) whether the Government has cleared any proposals for new hydro power projects in Ladakh to tap the huge hydro-electric potential; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reaction of the Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (I/C) FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY, POWER and MoS for SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI R.K. SINGH)

(a) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has planned to set up solar power projects, one of 50 MW capacity in Leh by Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Ltd. and another with cumulative capacity of around 14 MW with battery storage capacity of 42 MWh in Leh and Kargil under Prime Minister Development Package (PMDP)-2015 for Jammu and Kashmir.

(b) The Geothermal energy is not economically viable at present due to very high capital cost ranging from Rs 30 crores to Rs 40 crores per Megawatt, difficult terrain and lack of power purchaser because of resulting high tariffs.

(c) The details of constructed / under construction Small Hydro Project in the Union Territory of Ladakh are given in Annexure.

(d) and (e)This Ministry has not received any proposal for approval from UT of Ladakh for new Small Hydro Power Projects.
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