Himachal Pradesh Government has unveiled a progressive initiative, ‘Come and Install Solar Power Projects’, aimed at encouraging youth and entrepreneurs to establish solar energy ventures in the private sector across the state.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday shared details of the initiative during a high-level meeting with officials from the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) and the Energy Department. The move aligned with the state’s commitment to becoming a green energy leader and expanding opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

Under this new initiative, the government has prioritized streamlining the process for setting up solar projects. Directives have been issued to expedite documentation and procedural requirements, ensuring minimal delays for applicants. “Our objective is to provide all necessary assistance to those interested in setting up solar energy projects. These projects will be instrumental in driving Himachal Pradesh’s economic growth while preserving our environment,” said Sukhu.

The initiative comes with a government allocation of 300 MW for ground-mounted solar power projects to the private sector, with 62 MW already operational. In the public sector, 32 MW of solar projects have been completed, and an additional 15 MW is in the pipeline, expected to become operational soon. The Chief Minister emphasized that these solar projects would foster self-employment opportunities and bolster the local economy, contributing significantly to the state’s green energy ambitions.

During the meeting, Sukhu reviewed various aspects of HPSEBL’s operations, focusing on revenue enhancement and resource management. Officials were encouraged to adopt innovative measures to boost the Board’s revenue streams and optimize resource utilization. Suggestions for improving production capacity and efficiency were actively discussed, with a view to creating a more resilient energy sector in Himachal Pradesh.

Additionally, the Chief Minister sought updates on the state’s energy procurement and expenditure strategies across different projects, emphasizing the importance of transparency and promptness in the tendering process. He also addressed technical and commercial challenges, instructing officials to reduce losses at the divisional and circle levels, while recommending steps for effective revenue mapping to enhance financial management.