Shimla, Dec 23 : Himachal Pradesh aims to install 500 MW of solar power projects over the next two years as part of its broader vision to become a Green Energy State by March 2026, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Monday.
The state intends to meet over 90 per cent of its annual energy requirement, estimated at around 13,000 million units, through renewable sources. Sukhu said a major shift towards solar energy has been witnessed due to the government’s green initiatives.
Under the Green Panchayat Programme, 500 kW ground-mounted solar power projects will be set up in gram panchayats across the state. In the first phase, approvals have been granted for 24 panchayats, with work underway in 16 of them. The total solar generation target under the programme is 150 MW.
In Una district, operational solar projects include the Pekhubela Solar Project, functional since April 15, 2024, which has generated 79.03 million units and earned ₹22.91 crore; the Aghlour Solar Project, operational since May 21, 2025, generating 5.89 million units; and the Bhanjal Solar Project, operational since November 30, 2024, generating 8.57 million units and earning ₹3.10 crore.
Currently, three solar projects with a combined capacity of 31 MW are under execution, while four projects (41 MW) are at the tendering stage. Additionally, a 200 MW solar power plant is planned on barren land in Damtal, Kangra district.
A total of 547 investors have been allotted ground-mounted solar projects amounting to 595.97 MW, with Power Purchase Agreements signed for 403.09 MW. Projects are allotted under a ‘first come, first served’ policy, ranging from 250 kW to 5 MW, with power to be purchased by Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL).
Besides solar, the state government is promoting green hydrogen, compressed biogas, geothermal energy, and other alternative energy sources. Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a leading green energy state by 2026, adding that digitalisation is being adopted to improve efficiency and transparency in public services.
