States » NorthPosted at: Oct 14 2026 6:02PM


First battery-storage solar project inaugurated in Himachal’s Spiti Valley

Shimla, October 14 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday inaugurated a 2 MW solar power project with battery storage in Spiti Valley and launched development works worth Rs 116.28 crore in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti.
The solar power plant at Rongtong near Kaza, constructed at a cost of Rs 4.42 crore, is the first solar project in the state equipped with a battery energy storage system. Located at an altitude of around 3,600 metres, the facility has a 1 MWh battery storage capacity and is expected to generate approximately 36 lakh units of electricity annually.
Construction of the project began on May 30, 2023, and it was commissioned in December 2024. It generated 22,58,752 units of electricity during 2024-25, 2025-26 and up to September 30, 2026.
Sukhu said the project would become a symbol of development in Spiti Valley and help address concerns over the quality and reliability of electricity supply in the remote region.
Recalling his first visit to Spiti as Chief Minister in 2023, he said residents had raised the issue of unreliable power supply.
He also announced that the Rongtong hydel power project would be made fully functional, with Rs 6 crore earmarked for the purpose.
The Chief Minister laid the foundation stones of two 66/22 kV substations at Sumdo in Kinnaur district and Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti, involving a combined investment of Rs 47.95 crore.
Located in strategically important border areas, the substations are expected to improve electricity supply to Kaza, Sumdo and adjoining regions.
The existing supply to Spiti largely depends on a 200-km-long 22 kV feeder from Pooh in Kinnaur, which has faced voltage fluctuations, technical losses and disruptions during adverse weather conditions.
The new infrastructure will strengthen the distribution network, improve voltage regulation and reduce technical losses.
Reliable electricity is also crucial for defence installations, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, tourism and other essential services in the high-altitude region.
Sukhu also inaugurated the Chhidang-Tangti Khar Telling Road in Pin Valley, constructed at a cost of Rs 39.55 crore.
The project aims to provide safer and more reliable all-weather connectivity to remote tribal settlements.
The upgraded road includes safety features such as crash barriers, parapets, signboards and speed breakers.
Improved access is expected to promote tourism, create livelihood opportunities and facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, particularly green peas and seed potatoes, besides essential commodities.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the upgradation of the 12-km Tanzit-Hikkim Road in Spiti Valley, completed at a cost of Rs 24.36 crore.
The improved road will ease transportation difficulties in the difficult terrain, strengthen access to healthcare, education and administrative services, and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and essential goods.
It will also improve connectivity to Hikkim, known for its high-altitude post office, and provide an impetus to tourism-related activities, supporting the socio-economic development of remote tribal communities.
UNI BN
Tags: #First battery-storage solar project inaugurated in Himachal’s Spiti Valley
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