Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) authorities to expedite the execution of ongoing hydroelectric power projects.
While reviewing the functioning of the HPPCL here on Thursday, he directed officials to ensure the completion of the 450-MW Shong Tong power project by December 2026.
He said that more than 60 per cent of the project had already been completed and emphasised the need to accelerate the remaining work. He also directed that the transmission line be established in parallel to ensure timely evacuation of power from this project.
Sukhu also discussed the progress of the 130-MW Kashang-II and III, 48 MW Chanju-III, 40-MW Renuka Dam and 191-MW Thana Plaun hydroelectric power projects and instructed that the timelines for the completion be strictly adhered to.
He stressed on setting up pump storage projects and asked the HPPCL to initiate work on the proposed 1,630-MW Renukaji pump storage project and the 270-MW Thana Plaun pump storage project at the earliest. He said that pump storage projects are useful in supplying electricity during peak hour demand and reducing the load on the grid.
Sukhu said that harnessing green energy remains a key priority for the State Government and HPPCL should expedite the work of ongoing solar power projects. He also instructed the Corporation to identify new land parcels for setting up new solar power projects across the state.
The Chief Minister also reviewed one MW green hydrogen plant coming up at Nalagarh and directed the completion of the project by the end of June next year. He directed the Corporation to adopt professionalism in their functioning and said that the present state government has set a target of making Himachal Pradesh a green energy hub of the country by next year.
Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Power Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, HPPCL managing director Abid Hussain Sadiq and other senior officers were present at Shimla for the meeting, while Principal Adviser to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh joined the meeting virtually.
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