Himachal Pradesh's Green Energy Ambition: Transforming Kalka-Shimla Rail into Hydrogen-Powered Route
Key Ideas
  • Himachal Pradesh aims to be India's first green energy state by March 2026, focusing on replacing thermal power with renewable sources like hydro, solar, and wind.
  • The state is progressing towards becoming fully green energy certified, with 90% of its power consumption already from renewables and plans to expand solar power generation by 2,000MW in 5 years.
  • Initiatives include developing green hydrogen production, switching 1,500 state buses to electric, and exploring hydrogen-powered rail transport on the historic Kalka-Shimla line.
  • Sukhu's proposal aligns with India's climate goals, emphasizing sustainable development, eco-friendly projects, and the potential for the rail line to showcase sustainable tourism in the region.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the railway ministry to consider converting the iconic Kalka-Shimla rail line into a green hydrogen-powered route as part of the state's ambitious plan to become India's first green energy state by March 2026. Sukhu outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes transitioning 1,500 million units of thermal power consumption to renewable sources such as hydro, solar, and wind. With 90% of the state's power already coming from renewables, Himachal Pradesh is on track to achieve full green energy certification within a year. The state is also targeting a significant expansion in solar power generation, aiming for an additional 2,000MW over the next five years. Additionally, initiatives like the 'Green Panchayat' program are facilitating the installation of 500KW solar power plants at the local level, funded by energy sales. Himachal Pradesh is also making strides in green hydrogen production and plans to replace 1,500 buses with electric vehicles while transitioning its own fleet to electric. These efforts align with India's climate commitments and position the Kalka-Shimla rail line as a symbol of sustainable tourism. The state's focus on sustainability and eco-friendly development projects underscores its commitment to a greener future.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2024 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.