Srinagar: In a major development, Jammu and Kashmir will soon provide electricity to Rajasthan to light it up for more than four decades. Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited of Rajasthan Government for 40 years.

RHPCL officials informed Republic that a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has been signed between RHPCL, which is a joint venture NHPC Limited, and Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) with Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited. "The agreement is for offtake of power generated from 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project, Kishtwar in the Jammu & Kashmir. The agreement has been signed for offtake of power for a period of 40 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the project and as per power allocation to be notified by Ministry of Power, Govt. of India," he added.

What is Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) ?

NHPC Limited, a leading hydropower company in India operating under the Ministry of Power, has partnered with Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd to establish "Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited." This joint venture, incorporated on 01.06.2021, sees NHPC and JKSPDC holding 51% and 49% equity shares, respectively. The collaboration aims to implement the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project, situated as a Run of River Scheme in the village of Drabshalla, district Kishtwar, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, on the River Chenab.

When did J&K and Rajasthan sign the agreement ?

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed in Jaipur on 3rd January 2024 in the presence of senior officers of Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) & Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited.

Another major J&K power hub in making, to light another state

The Pakal Dul HE Project, with a proposed capacity of 1000 MW, is being built along the Marusudar River, a tributary of the Chenab River, situated approximately 45 kilometers away from Kishtwar in the Jammu and Kashmir state. This initiative involves building a 167-meter high dam and an underground Powerhouse comprising four units, each with a capacity of 250 MW. Once completed, it will be the largest power project in J&K.