Himachal Pradesh is rapidly moving towards becoming a Green Energy State, with a target to meet over 90% of its energy requirements through renewable sources by March 2026, said CM Sukhu on Monday. At present, the State’s annual energy consumption is nearly 13,000 million units, and the government aims to achieve self-reliance in the energy sector through extensive green initiatives.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the State has witnessed a significant shift towards solar energy. A target has been set to install 500 MW of solar power projects within the next two years. Under the ‘Green Panchayat Programme’, Gram Panchayats will be at the center of this initiative. Each Panchayat will have 500 kW ground-mounted solar power projects, with 24 Panchayats approved in the first phase and work already commenced in 16. The total solar power generation target under this program is 150 MW. CM Sukhu added that 20% of revenue generated from these projects will be used to support orphaned children and widows in the respective Panchayats.
Several solar projects are already operational in Una district. The Pekhubela Solar Power Project began commercial operations on 15 April 2024 and has generated 79.03 million units of electricity, earning Rs. 22.91 crore. The Aghlour Solar Power Project started on 21 May 2025, producing 5.89 million units, while the Bhanjal Solar Power Project began operations on 30 November 2024, generating 8.57 million units with revenue of Rs. 3.10 crore.
Currently, three solar projects with a combined capacity of 31 MW are under execution, while four projects totaling 41 MW are at the tendering stage. Additionally, a 200 MW solar plant is planned on barren land in Damtal, Kangra. Under Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, 148 households in remote Spiti villages—including Mud, Langza, Hikkim, and Kaumik—have been provided with solar off-grid systems.
Under the ‘First Come, First Served’ policy, solar projects ranging from 250 kW to 5 MW are being allotted, with electricity to be purchased by HPSEBL. So far, 547 investors have been allotted ground-mounted solar projects totaling 595.97 MW, with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed for 403.09 MW. Additionally, HIMURJA has allotted 728.4 MW of solar projects to HPSEBL, including 150.13 MW of rooftop solar projects.
Beyond solar, the State Government is actively promoting alternative energy sources such as green hydrogen, compressed biogas, geothermal energy, and other emerging technologies. CM Sukhu reiterated, “Through these sustained and comprehensive initiatives, Himachal Pradesh is steadily moving towards its vision of becoming a leading Green Energy State in the country by 2026.”
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
