Kashmir with its abundant water resources, strong solar exposure and significant wind potential, the region is gradually shifting towards sustainable energy solutions to meet its growing electricity demand and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Over the past few years, the government, private sector and local communities have undertaken multiple initiatives to harness renewable energy in Kashmir. These efforts are crucial for mitigating climate change, reducing energy deficits and ensuring long-term energy security.

Hydropower, leveraging Kashmir’s extensive river systems like the Jhelum, Chenab and Indus which forms the most significant source of renewable energy in the region, despite only a small portion of its estimated 20,000 MW potential being utilised; key projects contributing to this energy production include the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project 900 MW on the Chenab River, the Dulhasti Hydropower Project 390 MW in Kishtwar district, the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project 330 MW developed by NHPC and the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project 1000 MW currently under construction in Kishtwar, which will be among the largest upon completion.

Despite Kashmir’s long winters and snowfall, the region receives significant sunshine, particularly in Ladakh and southern Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the government to launch initiatives harnessing solar power, including the Kargil Renewable Energy Development Project aiming to install 5,000 MW of solar energy, solar rooftop programs for households and government buildings, the PM-KUSUM Scheme promoting solar-powered irrigation pumps and discussions on floating solar projects on lakes like Dal and Wular, with these initiatives expected to transform Kashmir into a solar energy hub in the near future.

While wind energy potential in Kashmir remains largely untapped, studies suggest that Ladakh and high-altitude regions possess viable wind speeds for electricity generation, leading the government to initiate pilot projects to assess wind farm feasibility. Similarly, biomass energy holds promise due to abundant agricultural waste, forest residues and animal waste, with biomass-based power plants and biogas digesters offering significant rural electrification potential, and NGOs and start-ups working to introduce biomass energy solutions for heating and cooking in remote villages.

The Indian government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration have implemented various policies to promote renewable energy adoption, including the Jammu & Kashmir Renewable Energy Policy, which aims to attract investment in solar, wind and hydro projects through subsidies and incentives for individuals and businesses, public-private partnerships to accelerate project implementation, efforts to attract foreign direct investment and net metering policies that allow households and commercial units to sell excess solar energy back to the grid.

Despite progress, expanding renewable energy in Kashmir faces hurdles including political instability hindering large-scale investments, harsh climate and terrain complicating infrastructure installation and maintenance, grid connectivity issues in remote areas, and funding constraints despite government incentives.

The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, has significantly impacted the region’s renewable energy sector by increasing investment and private sector participation through eased land acquisition and numerous Moues with private firms, boosting hydropower projects with faster clearances and expedited development of key projects like the Rattle, Kiru, Dulhasti-II and Kawar Hydroelectric Projects, facilitating central government funding and policies such as the PM-KUSUM scheme, improving infrastructure and connectivity with enhanced road, rail and power grid development, creating employment and economic growth through new job opportunities and the growth of the solar panel industry and reducing dependence on fossil fuels by promoting local renewable energy generation.   

Kashmir possesses vast potential in renewable energy by harnessing its natural resources to create a sustainable and self-reliant energy ecosystem. By prioritising hydropower, expanding solar energy, exploring wind and biomass solutions, the region can significantly reduce its reliance on non-renewable sources and reduce power shortages. With ongoing government support, private sector engagement and community participation, renewable energy initiatives in Kashmir will secure energy independence while fostering economic development, environmental sustainability, infrastructure growth and an enhanced quality of life for its residents.