Himachal Pradesh Inaugurates Its First Solar Power Project in Spiti Valley

The solar power project in Himachal Pradesh with a battery storage facility was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh’s chief minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in Rongtong in Spiti Valley. This 2 MW power station that is built in Rongtong can produce approximately 36 lakh units of electricity each year. The inauguration of this solar power project along with other developmental works of ₹116.28 crore in Lahaul-Spiti, a tribal district of Himachal Pradesh, show the state’s efforts in improving infrastructure and utilising renewable sources of energy.

Solar Power Plant at Rongtong: Important Facts

The solar power plant has been set up in Rongtong, which is situated in the Kaza region in Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is a combination of solar electricity power plant with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

This project was developed at a cost of ₹4.42 crore. The construction work of the project commenced on 30 May 2023, while it was commissioned in December 2024.

Importance of Solar Power in Spiti Valley

Considering the elevated altitude in Spiti Valley, coupled with its remote locations and difficult terrain, the need for good power infrastructure becomes more significant. The use of solar power gives the chance of utilizing the renewable energy sources available at the place without relying too much on conventional energy sources.

The Rongtong plant uses a combination of solar power and a battery power system. Battery Energy Storage System stores the generated power for future use, thereby addressing the time lag between generation and use of energy.

It would produce around 3.6 million units of electricity per year, which equals 36 lakh units.

What Is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

Battery Energy Storage System uses batteries to store electrical energy and discharge it when needed. In connection with a renewable energy plant, it will assist in controlling fluctuations in the output of solar power plants and increase the flexibility of energy supply.

Electricity is produced by solar panels whenever there is sun, but battery storage will allow using some of it at a future time. However, the exact period and availability of supply are determined by the capacity of the battery, its operation and electricity consumption.

The Rongtong project consists of a solar power plant with a capacity of 2 MW and battery storage of 1 MWh. These are not the same figures because the first one shows power capacity and the second shows energy.

Other Development Projects Having a Cost of ₹116.28 Crore

While on a visit to Lahaul-Spiti, Chief Minister Sukhu also laid the foundation stone for two 66/22 kV substations one in Sumdo in Kinnaur district and the other in Kaza in Spiti Valley.

These two substations have a total cost of ₹47.95 crore. These are supposed to improve the electricity infrastructure in the area.

The Chief Minister further announced that the Rongtong Hydel Power Project will be made functional with a cost of ₹6 crore allotted to it.