The UT of Jammu and Kashmir is setting a commendable example in the solarization of Government buildings, achieving significant progress that puts it ahead of several other Union Territories. With 17 percent of its Government buildings now equipped with rooftop solar plants, Jammu and Kashmir is demonstrating a strong commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the UT’s substantial number of Government structures compared to other UTs. As of now, 3,825 buildings in J&K have been solarized, a remarkable increase from the 1,700 recorded in November 2023. The concerted efforts of the JAKEDA have been instrumental in this progress. In comparison, other UTs have lagged, with Puducherry achieving 3.17 percent progress, Andaman and Nicobar at 5.5 percent, and Lakshadweep showing no progress at all. While Chandigarh and Delhi have slightly higher percentages than Jammu and Kashmir, the sheer number of buildings in Jammu and Kashmir makes its achievement more significant.
Looking ahead, the Government aims to solarize all structures in 15 departments by December 2024, with a tender soon to be floated for the generation of 70 megawatts of electricity. For the remaining departments, which constitute 73 percent of the total Government buildings in the UT, the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model will be adopted. Consumers benefit from access to clean and renewable energy at competitive rates without bearing upfront installation costs. Moreover, the RESCO agreement ensures that the service provider is responsible for maintaining and optimising the solar system’s performance, reducing the operational burden on the customer. This strategic approach, dividing the solarization effort into two separate tenders-one under CAPEX for 15 departments and another under the RESCO model for the major departments-ensures a comprehensive and efficient rollout. The goal is to cover all buildings by December 2025. The solarization of Government buildings in Jammu and Kashmir is a forward-thinking initiative that sets a benchmark for other UTs. The UT of Jammu and Kashmir has demonstrated that with strategic planning and concerted effort, significant strides in renewable energy adoption are achievable.
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