Overview

Electricity is an essential source of commercial energy. It is vital for sustained economic growth. An increase in demand for power implies growth of the economy leading to modernization, industrialization and improvement in basic amenities culminating into a better quality of life of people. Ladakh is endowed with significant hydel potential which, when exploited fully, will provide a strong impetus for the growth of its economy. Development of this potential would need huge resources, technical expertise, administrative reforms, congenial environment, proper regulation and management, besides competitive marketing, policy formation and private participation. Optimal exploitation of available hydel resources in the region would not only meet the internal demand but will also supply power to the Northern grid to boost the overall development of the State. The estimated hydro power potential of the UT is 20,000 Megawatts (MW), of which about 16475 MW have been identified. This comprises MW in Indus river, MW in Shayokriver etc.

Power Development in Ladakh has a long and distinguished history. 4MW StaknaHydro-electric Plant, among the first of its kind in the UT was developed as early as 1980 and latest being the 9 MW HeP each at Dha and Hanu villages, which shall further make Ladakh power sufficient in the future.

The hydro projects are techno-economically viable, besides being eco-friendly and socially beneficial. In order to harness this potential in a sustained manner, the Government of J&K established the Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDCL) which has been incorporated as Private limited company on 16th February 1995. The Corporation was incorporated to takeover, execute, complete, operate and maintain all power stations and power projects of the State. The assets of all the power projects in the State, both existing and under implementation were transferred to the Corporation. The Corporation presently has 09 hydroelectric projects with installed capacity of 13.95MW located in various locations of Leh & Kargil district. Besides, there is hydro plant of capacities 44MW & 45MW in Kargil & Leh respectively being operated & maintained by NHPC.

The Ladakh Renewable Energy & Development Agency (LREDA) & Kargil Renewable Energy & Development Agency (KREDA) are also running HEPs of different capacities in various villages in both the villages.

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