SRINAGAR: The Government of India has indicated that wind energy is unlikely to play a meaningful role in the power landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, citing negligible potential and the absence of viable projects in the Union Territory.
In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik informed the House that assessments carried out by the National Institute of Wind Energy have pegged the Union Territory’s wind energy potential at just 3 megawatts at a hub height of 120 metres.
The disclosure came in response to a query raised by Rajya Sabha member Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, who sought details on wind energy prospects and ongoing or planned projects in the region.
The Minister also clarified the status of a proposed wind project by NHPC Limited in Reasi district. The project, first initiated in 2012, failed to move beyond the preliminary desk study stage due to “logistical challenges,” particularly difficulties in transporting turbine blades to the site and issues related to power offtake”.
“Due to logistical constraints associated with transportation of wind turbine blades to the project site and power offtake, the project could not progress,” the reply noted.
On future prospects, the government stated that wind energy development depends on techno-economic feasibility assessments by developers. At present, however, no wind energy projects are either planned or under implementation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The response effectively rules out wind as a near-term renewable energy option for the Union Territory, which has traditionally relied on hydropower and is increasingly exploring solar energy to meet its electricity needs.
