Chandigarh/IBNS: Union Territory Chandigarh has secured its position as the leading solar power generator among all Indian Union Territories. According to a recent report by Khalsa Vox, as of June 30, the city boasts an impressive installed solar power capacity of 63.59 MW.

This announcement was made by Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy and Power, RK Singh, during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The ranking places Chandigarh ahead of other Union Territories, with Jammu and Kashmir following closely behind at 53.29 MW in solar power capacity. Puducherry, Daman and Diu, and Andaman and Nicobar secured the third, fourth, and fifth positions with 43.26 MW, 41.01 MW, and 29.91 MW, respectively.

Other Union Territories, such as Ladakh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, and Lakshadweep, have also made strides in solar power with capacities of 7.80 MW, 5.46 MW, and 3.27 MW, respectively.

The Indian government had set a nationwide ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of solar power installed capacity by 2022. Although state-wise targets were not specifically set, the country has made significant progress, with the total solar power capacity installed reaching an impressive 70.10 GW as of June 30. Additionally, an extra 55.90 GW is currently under installation, indicating India's commitment to renewable energy.

Chandigarh's dedication to harnessing solar power has been widely applauded. The city's administration, through the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST), has been striving to achieve the target of 75 MW by August 15.

While it may not be met on Independence Day, the agency has extended the deadline to December this year.

Moreover, the administration has set ambitious long-term goals to position the UT as a model solar city. The city aims to achieve a target of 100 MWp by 2025, and a comprehensive roadmap is being prepared to meet solar power generation requirements by 2030.

Several notable projects have been proposed, including the establishment of two floating solar power plants at the waterworks in Sector 39, a 1 MWp solar plant near DT Mall in the IT Park, and the implementation of rooftop solar projects on institutional buildings.

Currently, Chandigarh is taking significant steps towards a greener future, with 23 solar power projects being set up across the city. Among them, 20 solar power plants, with a combined capacity of 4.5 MWp, are nearing completion.

The commendable efforts of Chandigarh in solar power generation serve as an inspiration to other regions in the country, contributing to India's ambitious targets and its commitment to sustainable and renewable energy solutions.