KASHMIR SOLAR EXPO-2023

The week-long Kashmir Solar Expo-2023 was a great success. It was put on by the J&K Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) in association with numerous vendors in the renewable energy sector and other line departments of Jammu and Kashmir. The occasion urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to take advantage of the various government initiatives by showcasing the numerous green energy options that are accessible to them. Inaugurating the event, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta thanked JAKEDA for organising the expo and stated that the initiative will greatly aid in increasing public knowledge of the advantages of rooftop solar plants and other beneficiary-oriented programmes. In order to inform residents of the UT about the rooftop solar plant, the KUSUM scheme, and its financing structure and advantages, he also urged the organisation of more awareness camps and expos there. It is impossible to exaggerate the significance of renewable energy. Reducing carbon emissions has become a top concern for governments all over the world as a result of the global struggle with climate change. The Indian government has similarly established aggressive goals for renewable energy and has been actively promoting green energy alternatives. It is admirable that the government of Jammu and Kashmir is working to encourage renewable energy sources through initiatives like the KUSUM programme and rooftop solar plant. Customers in Jammu and Kashmir have an appealing choice in the rooftop solar plant scheme, which provides a subsidy of up to 65 per cent for the installation of Solar Photovoltaic rooftops. Customers receive five years of free maintenance when purchasing solar rooftop systems with power outputs ranging from 1 KW to 10 KW. This programme helps people save money on their electricity bills while simultaneously assisting the government in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

The KUSUM project, on the other hand, aims to improve the agricultural sector by raising farmers’ incomes and providing supplies for irrigation. Under this programme, farmers can install AC/DC surface and submersible solar pumps with a 10 HP maximum capacity at no cost for irrigation purposes. Only 20% of the cost of the machinery must be paid for by the beneficiary/farmer in order to profit from the scheme; the remaining 80% is covered by the Central and UT governments. The KUSUM programme has many advantages. In addition to lowering their electricity costs, it also enables farmers to increase their income by selling any extra power produced by solar-powered pumps. The programme also encourages the use of sustainable energy while easing the strain on the government to supply electricity to rural communities. The Kashmir Solar Expo-2023’s performance can be gauged by the volume of attendees, which included farmers, homeowners, and business executives. The event offered a venue for suppliers to display their green energy options and for customers to learn about the many government programmes on offer. A larger audience was made aware of the programmes thanks to the participation of numerous Jammu and Kashmir line departments at the event. The general public’s ignorance of renewable energy sources is one of the biggest obstacles to their promotion. Many individuals are unaware of the government’s numerous initiatives to promote green energy options. By bringing vendors, business leaders, and government representatives to promote the advantages of renewable energy on a single stage, the Kashmir Solar Expo-2023 assisted in bridging this gap.

The success of the occasion can also be credited to JAKEDA’s efforts, which were crucial in organising the expo. In Jammu and Kashmir, JAKEDA has been at the forefront of promoting renewable energy sources and has taken an active role in carrying out different government-sponsored programmes. The organisation has also helped those working in the field of renewable energy by developing their skills and offering them training. Other states and union territories should be motivated to plan similar events to promote renewable energy sources in light of the success of the Kashmir Solar Expo-2023. The urgent requirement is to raise public knowledge of the advantages of green energy solutions and to encourage people to use these technologies. The government should keep working in this direction and give consumers and business professionals the support they need, along with organisations like JAKEDA.

In short, the Kashmir Solar Expo-2023 represented a significant development in the promotion of renewable energy options in Jammu and Kashmir. The event promoted the many advantages of rooftop solar systems and the KUSUM programme and urged attendees to take advantage of the government’s incentives and subsidies. The expo’s success ought to spur other initiatives in the area to promote renewable energy sources. The government and relevant organisations must keep up their efforts to raise knowledge of green energy options and assist consumers and business leaders in implementing them. Renewable energy is the key to Jammu and Kashmir’s future, thus it’s time to embrace this sustainable and pure form of energy. The Kashmir Solar Expo-2023 should not be the only aspect of its success. Disseminating the information and awareness gathered during the expo to the general Jammu and Kashmir population is crucial. To educate and enlighten the public about the advantages of green energy solutions, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and community leaders should collaborate to organise workshops, awareness campaigns, and public outreach programmes. We can promote wider use of renewable energy technology and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Jammu and Kashmir by arming the populace with the essential knowledge and tools. Let’s embrace solar energy’s potential and work to make our beloved region greener and brighter tomorrow.