Power sector can be a game changer
Jammu and Kashmir’s power generating capacity has been known for many years now. This sector has immense potential, driven by the regions vast hydropower resources.
Jammu and Kashmir has an estimated hydropower potential of 18,000-20,000 MW and so far 14,867 MW of this potential stands identified. Though, the peak capacity of power generation is yet to be achieved, the current harnessing capacity stands at 3,540.15 MW (mere 23.81% of identified capacity).
Hydro Power generation needs massive investment and planning, but the way this sector has witnessed growth and potential to grow even further, the sector can be exploited to bring in more revenues for the region.
Importantly, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 67% revenue growth in the power sector over the past four years, making it the UT’s second-largest revenue generator.
In the past four years, Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department has become the second highest revenue contributor for the government.
The department in this period has witnessed a 67 percent increase in revenue generation. Since Financial Year 2022, amongst the major revenue contributors, the power development department has become the second highest revenue contributor with 67 percent increase in power revenue generation.
Till November 2024, transmission and distribution capacity of 32,762.49 MVA with electric line length of 1,66,633.44 Circuit Kilometer (Ckm) has been established by the Government. Transmission and Distribution capacity has increased by more than 35% during the last five years.
Over the span from 2020-21 to 2023-24, Jammu and Kashmir saw a steady increase in electricity consumption per capita, rising from 1,322 KWHr to 1,532 KWHr. This trend was reflecting a growing demand for power amidst a population increase from 13.41 million to 13.70 million, with units purchased or consumed escalating from 17,721.76 million to 20,985.70 million units over the period.
Notably, the renewable energy sector in J&K is also advancing significantly with a focus on solar and small hydro power projects.
Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JaKEDA) has allocated 35 Mini Hydel Projects (MHPs) with a capacity of 103.05 MW under Independent Power Producer (IPP) mode, already commissioning projects like 5 MW SHP Bultikulan and 3.75 MW SHP Khari.
Apart from the hydel power Jammu and Kashmir can also achieve tremendous milestones in the solar power sector.
As of now 4,635 government buildings and 4,000 households are covered under Rooftop solar energy plants with capacity of 19.35 MW.
The Rooftop Solar Power Plants with a capacity of 8.5 MW have been installed for 300 beneficiaries and more progress is still being achieved.
