Himachal Pradesh CM Launches Solar Project in Pangi Valley, Aiming to End Winter Power Woes
Himachal Pradesh CM launched a 1 MW solar project in Pangi Valley to resolve chronic winter power outages. The INR 10.50 crore project with battery storage aims to power all 19 Panchayats by next winter, ending reliance on polluting alternatives.
April 17, 2025. By EI News Network
The ambitious project, estimated to cost INR 10.50 crore, is slated for completion by November 2025, strategically timed to power all 19 Panchayats of Pangi Valley before the onset of the harsh winter. Pangi Valley grapples with severe challenges during winter, remaining cut off from the rest of the state for approximately five to six months due to heavy snowfall.
This not only disrupts road connectivity but also causes frequent and prolonged power outages as transmission lines succumb to snow damage, making maintenance efforts incredibly difficult under the extreme weather conditions. Consequently, many residents are forced to rely on expensive and environmentally unfriendly alternatives like kerosene lamps and diesel generators.
Recognising the urgent need for a sustainable solution, the government’s new solar initiative incorporates a crucial 500-kilowatt battery storage system. This integrated storage will ensure a continuous and uninterrupted electricity supply, even during nighttime hours when solar generation ceases.
The sprawling project will be established across 2.2 hectares of land and will feature an array of 2,400 solar panels, marking it as the largest clean energy undertaking in the valley to date. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasised the government’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and equitable development.
“This project is a testament to our resolve to promote green energy and ensure reliable infrastructure in the tribal and remote areas of Himachal Pradesh,” he stated. He further directed concerned officials to expedite the construction process, underscoring the urgency of providing a dependable power source to the valley's residents before the next winter descends. Reiterating the state’s ambitious goal of transforming Himachal Pradesh into a green energy state by March 31, 2026, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the pivotal role of such projects in achieving inclusive development.
“Our government is committed to improving the quality of life in remote regions. Renewable energy is the future, and we are making sure that even the farthest corners of Himachal Pradesh are not left behind,” he added.
Upon its completion, the 1 MW solar power plant is anticipated to eliminate the persistent issue of load shedding in Pangi Valley and significantly strengthen the existing local power distribution network. The vulnerability of transmission lines to snow accumulation, avalanches, and strong winds often leads to service disruptions lasting for weeks, leaving homes and essential public institutions like health centres and schools without power. This solar power project now offers a promising beacon of hope for a brighter, more powered future.
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