Promising Solution

Nestled in the Himalayas, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) offers ideal conditions for solar energy, with abundant sunshine and moderate temperatures. Yet, it remains at a critical energy crossroads, having harnessed only a small share of its solar potential. With just around 75 MW of installed solar capacity, mainly from rooftop solar, against a target of 620 MW, the gap is stark. Agrivoltaics presents a promising and innovative solution, particularly wellsuited to J&K’s diverse and vibrant agricultural landscape, offering a way to bridge this gap and advance the region’s renewable energy goals.

Agrivoltaics, that is, the co-location of agriculture and solar photovoltaic, could offer a dual solution to promote both sustainable energy generation and resilient agricultural practices. These dual-use systems provide partial shade, reducing excessive evapotranspiration (the process by which water moves from the earth’s surface to the atmos­phere through evaporation and transpiration), enhancing soil moisture retention and creating beneficial microclimates. Such an environment could support the cultivation of the high-value crops commonly grown in J&K, such as apple, saffron and shade-tolerant crops such as mushrooms. This synergy could support the Food–Energy–Water Nexus and key Sustainable Development Goals, while also creating local jobs through green skilling and contributing to regional development.

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The article was also published in the print edition.