Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

Introduction

Established in 1989, Himurja plays a pivotal role in fostering the sustainable development of renewable energy and ensuring energy security in the state. Financially supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Government of India, as well as the State Government, the agency is dedicated to efficiently promoting renewable energy devices like solar water heating systems and solar photovoltaic lights. Additionally, Himurja actively contributes to research and development programmes within the state. The agency collaborates with the government to assess the hydel potential in the region and facilitated private sector involvement in the hydro power sector starting from the fiscal year 1995-96.

Vision

To support, promote and facilitate new and renewable sources of energy for optimum and expeditious exploitation of environmentally sustainable energy resources in the State.

Mission

Optimum power production through innovation in renewable energy technologies for Govt./ Individuals/ Communities/ Institutions/ Industry at an effective cost and to ensure awareness, support & control to maintain growth.

Objectives

• Promote and produce renewable energy through all schemes offered by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and state governments in India.
• Utilize hydropower potential from projects up to 5 MW under the state sector and private sector participation.
• Increase the number of solar energy technology installations throughout Himachal Pradesh.
• Improve traditional water mills (gharats).
• Create public awareness to encourage the development and utilization of renewable energy.

Projects Under HIMURJA

HIMURJA manages various projects, including Lingti (400 KW), Kothi (200 KW), Juthed (100 KW), Purthi (100 KW), Sural (100 KW), Gharola (100 KW), Sach (900 KW), and Billing (400 KW). Additionally, HIMURJA oversees the execution of Bara Bhangal and Sarahan projects, supplying energy for local consumption. 

Collaborating with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), HIMURJA is actively involved in developing solar cities in Shimla and Hamirpur districts. The programme aims to achieve a minimum 10% reduction in the projected demand for conventional energy. Furthermore, HIMURJA has plans to establish a 5 MW solar plant in Bassi, Bilaspur district, under the supervision of HPPTCL. Simultaneously, MNRE has initiated two state-level energy parks, one at Nauni in Solan district and the other at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Hamirpur district.

Himachal Pradesh Government's New Solar Power Initiative

The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a significant announcement concerning solar power projects. Previously, only residents of Himachal Pradesh were permitted to establish solar power projects with a capacity of up to 5 MW. However, in a move to expedite the harnessing of solar power potential, the government has now opened the application process to all interested power producers. Projects ranging from 1 MW to 5 MW capacity are now accessible for application by anyone.

With a commitment to transforming Himachal Pradesh into a "Green State" by 2025, emphasising electric vehicles and solar power, the government has allocated 30 MW out of a total capacity of 100 MW for bona fide Himachalis. This allocation pertains to solar projects ranging from 250 KW to 1 MW. The remaining 70 MW capacity is available for application by all interested solar power producers.

Prospective applicants can submit their applications online and are required to pay an application fee of Rs 10,000 for projects up to 1 MW capacity and Rs 1 lakh for projects ranging from 1 MW to 5 MW capacity. 

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