Lt Governor, R.K Mathur attended the CMs’ Plenary session at the 3rd Global RE-INVEST conference organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Addressing the panel of Chief Ministers on the second day of the conference, LG Mathur highlighted Ladakh’s potential in renewable energy generation and its capability to become a Hydrogen-driven Union Territory, efforts for which are underway. Re-Invest is a global flagship initiative and strives to connect the global investment community with Indian energy stakeholders. LG Mathur stated that Ladakh has initiated steps to become Carbon Neutral, as per the Prime Minister’s vision. LG stated that it is assessed that Ladakh has the potential for 30 GW of Solar Energy, 05 GW of Wind Energy, 02 GW of Hydel Energy and 300 MW of Geothermal Energy. “To exploit this, GoI has decided to initiate a 10,000 MW Solar Project in Ladakh and to also establish the required High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines so as to evacuate the power. These projects are planned and we are determined to make them a reality,” said LG Mathur. Inviting stakeholders to Ladakh, LG Mathur said that the solar radiation intensity in Ladakh is probably the highest in the country. Further, due to low temperature, the efficiency of the solar cells is almost 10-12 percent higher. He added that given a good investment package, solar energy can be produced at comparatively lower costs. Speaking in the context of Geothermal energy, LG Mathur informed the panel that a 1 MW pilot project will soon initiate in Puga valley renowned for its Geothermal potential. Adding that smaller projects with tourism prospects are a potential way ahead for Geothermal, sources of which are available across Ladakh. LG Mathur also spoke of developing decentralized availability of hydrogen power in Ladakh, which he believes is a potential solution for Ladakh.
