16 sep 2025
A Green Transition for Rural Haryana
The Haryana government has unveiled plans to roll out decentralised renewable energy (RE) systems across its villages, signaling a major step toward clean energy adoption and rural empowerment. By adopting global best practices—particularly models from the Philippines, where communities generate electricity locally—Haryana is seeking to reduce dependence on centralised grids, cut transmission losses, and build climate resilience.
Energy Minister Anil Vij emphasized that this initiative forms part of Haryana’s larger roadmap to meet India’s COP-26 commitments, including achieving 50% renewable energy capacity and carbon neutrality by 2070.
Why Decentralised Renewable Energy Matters
Unlike large-scale centralised plants, decentralised RE systems are built closer to end-users—villages, farms, and small industries. Their benefits include:
- Reduced Transmission Losses: Energy is produced and consumed locally.
- Energy Access: Villages in remote areas can gain reliable electricity without waiting for grid expansion.
- Resilience: Local systems are less vulnerable to statewide outages.
- Economic Empowerment: Villagers can save costs and even sell surplus power back to the grid.
For Haryana’s agriculture-dependent economy, this model could be transformative, powering irrigation, storage, and rural enterprises sustainably.
Haryana’s Current Renewable Energy Status
As of July 2025:
- Installed & contracted RE capacity: 6,264 MW (38.6% of total energy mix).
- Solar power: ~2,200 MW contribution.
- 13 sanctioned solar parks, including flagship projects in Jhajjar, Mahendragarh, and Panipat.
- Panchkula declared as a model “solar city.”
The government has also distributed 1.7 lakh solar-powered irrigation pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme, reducing diesel use and empowering farmers.
Green Hydrogen Ambitions
Haryana is not stopping at solar. The state is venturing into green hydrogen technology, aiming to:
- Produce 250 KTPA (kilo tonnes per annum) of green hydrogen by 2030.
- Develop 2 GW electrolyser capacity for hydrogen production.
- Position itself as a hub for industrial and transport applications of clean hydrogen.
This aligns Haryana with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, promising energy independence and new economic opportunities.
Learning from the Philippines Model
The Philippines has pioneered decentralised mini-grids powered by solar and biomass, ensuring energy access in rural islands and communities. Haryana’s officials are studying these models to adapt them for local conditions:
- Solar rooftops for homes and schools.
- Village-scale biomass plants using agricultural residue.
- Micro-grids managed by local cooperatives.
Such systems, if implemented effectively, could bridge gaps in Haryana’s rural electrification.
Challenges Ahead
While ambitious, the plan is not without challenges:
- Financing: Decentralised projects require upfront investment. Rural households may need subsidies or credit support.
- Maintenance: Local systems must be maintained by trained technicians—capacity building is essential.
- Policy Clarity: Clear guidelines are needed on tariffs, net metering, and surplus power buyback.
- Behavioral Change: Encouraging villagers to shift from traditional energy sources like diesel pumps to solar and hydrogen requires awareness campaigns.
Expert Insights
- Dr. Meera Gupta, Renewable Energy Scholar:
“Decentralisation is the missing piece in India’s clean energy puzzle. Haryana’s initiative could be a game-changer if backed by proper financing and training.”
- Farmer, Karnal District:
“Solar pumps have already reduced our diesel costs. If we get village-level solar grids, our costs for cold storage and small machinery will come down further.”
- Policy Analyst Ramesh Bhatia:
“Green hydrogen is futuristic, but the state must not lose sight of immediate needs—like ensuring every village has a reliable local energy source.”
India’s National & Global Commitments
Haryana’s roadmap ties into broader commitments:
- India’s Panchamrut strategy:
- 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
- 50% of total energy from renewables by 2030.
- Net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
- Global goals: Aligning with the Paris Agreement and COP-26 targets.
By adopting decentralised RE, Haryana can become a model state for blending climate goals with rural development.
Potential Socio-Economic Benefits
- Jobs: Creation of local employment in installation, repair, and operations.
- Education: Solar-powered schools and digital classrooms in villages.
- Healthcare: Reliable electricity for primary health centers.
- Entrepreneurship: Rural youth could set up solar-based businesses like cold storage, flour mills, or e-vehicle charging stations.
Conclusion: Haryana’s Rural Energy Revolution
Haryana’s push for decentralised renewable energy reflects both necessity and vision. By localizing energy generation, the state can empower villages, cut emissions, and boost resilience—while advancing India’s global climate commitments.
The road ahead is challenging, but if implemented with community participation, financing support, and robust policy frameworks, Haryana could set a precedent for other states in India and beyond.
The shift from centralised dependency to decentralised sustainability could well define Haryana’s energy journey in the coming decades.
#RenewableEnergy #Haryana #ClimateAction #Solar #GreenHydrogen #RuralDevelopment #CleanEnergy #Sustainability
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