Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Monday with representatives of the World Bank to discuss the possibility of harnessing 500 MW solar energy as part the Green Resilient Integrated Development programme in Himachal. This is in order to achieve the goal of making Himachal a Green Energy State’ by 2025.
John Roome, Regional Director (Sustainable Development), South Asia Region of the World Bank, stated that they are keen to implement Green Resilient Integral Development Programme for Himachal with Basin approach. The cost estimate is Rs 2,500 crore (USD $300 million), depending on technical analyses. This may be increased.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said that the visit of the team would mark the beginning of the state’s transformation towards Green Resilient Himachal. The State has also set a time-bound plan to install 200 MW solar power projects within the next nine months. Further, state will acquire additional land to enable the installation of 500 MW by the end of 2024.
Sukhu stated that the transformation towards the adoption of electric vehicles in the state is of the utmost importance and he hoped for a generous contribution from the World Bank and the launch of key programmes for this purpose.
In addition to this, the Chief Minister indicated to the team the State is ready to move ahead with National Green Hydrogen Energy Mission. The production and maximum department would be switched over to Electric Vehicles by the first phase next year.
During the meeting, the World Bank team reviewed the ongoing projects in Himachal.
