Remove hurdles to harnessing of renewable energy: Vohra

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has directed the administration to remove the existing impediments to ensure maximum harnessing of hydro energy, wind energy and solar power in the state.
The Governor reviewed all issues related to the harnessing of new and renewable energy resources in the state in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan here yesterday, which was attended by several senior officials of the state administration.
Vohra also set up an empoweredHigh-Level Committee (HLC) to examine and resolve all pending issues and remove all impediments to ensure maximum harnessing of the small hydro potential in the state.

The HLC will revisit the existing institutional framework, including the feasibility of improving institutional interface with J&K SPDC (State Power Development Corporation) and identify steps for capacity building in the JAKEDA, to enable it to effectively carry out its mandate.
The HLC will also examine various policy issues related to fixation of tariff, signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) by JAKEDA and closely monitor and review progress.
The committee will send monthly progress reports to the Governor.
Among the issues discussed were -- the enhancement of JAKEDA's (Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency) mandate to execute small hydro projects beyond the present 2 MW, strengthening JAKEDA's institutional framework and capacity, urgent finalisation of roof top solar policy, development of solar power parks, signing of PPAs for the power produced by the Independent Power Producers (IPPs).