The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), operating under the Department of Science and Technology, has initiated the development of 35 hydroelectric power projects with a total generation capacity of 60 megawatts (MW). These projects, spread across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, aim to enhance renewable energy production in the Union Territory.Of the 35 projects, 22 will be located in Jammu—primarily in Kishtwar—while the remaining schemes are planned for the Kashmir region. The projects will be implemented under two distinct models: the Independent Power Producer (IPP) Mode and the Swiss Challenge Method. Both are designed to attract private sector involvement through competitive and transparent bidding.To kick-start the initiative, JAKEDA has issued Request for Qualification (RFQ) documents for the projects under the IPP model and both RFQ and Request for Proposal (RFP) documents for those under the Swiss Challenge Method. In this model, a developer that originally proposes a project (the Originator) has the right of first refusal to match the highest bid submitted by other contenders within seven days of notification. If matched, the project is awarded to the Originator; otherwise, it goes to the highest bidder.Eighteen projects have been floated under the 2011 Policy for Development of Micro/Mini Hydro Power Projects. These include:Anantnag: 1.1 MW Hajibal-1, 1.5 MW Navkin-1Bandipora: 2 MW MadhumatiBaramulla: 1.5 MW HajipeerBudgam: 2 MW SurasyarGanderbal: 1.5 MW KokranKishtwar: 1.5 MW Dadhpeth, 2 MW Keshwan, 2 MW Pahal-Gawra-1Kupwara: 1.6 MW TuminaPoonch: 2 MW Sawjia-1, 1.4 MW Sanai, 1.4 MW Khait-JalainReasi: 1.5 MW Budhal-IIRamban: 1.3 MW Banihal-1, 2 MW Pogal-II, 2 MW Paristan, 1.75 MW UkhralSeventeen additional projects are floated under the Swiss Challenge Method, including:Pulwama: 1.5 MW NarastanKishtwar: Multiple sites including Kither, Kiyar Sirchee, Prawra-I, Suid Dachan, Buddhar Kither, Chatru-Prawra-II, Prawra-II, Upper HoriAnantnag: 2 MW Upper AstanmargGanderbal: 1.8 MW Marchoi, 0.70 MW ShutkariReasi: 1.4 MW Badshala, 2 MW Sangri-IDoda: 2 MW KharaKulgam: 2 MW Sangam, 2 MW KongwattanPower generated by the Independent Power Producers may be sold in accordance with the 2011 Hydro Power Policy or any new policy notified by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir before the issuance of Techno-Economic Clearance (TEC). If sold to the J&K Government, tariffs will be determined by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) or applicable regulations.Land for the projects will be allocated as per the existing hydro power policy. In areas where Government land is unavailable, the IPP will procure private land in the name of JAKEDA, which will lease it back to the developer. IPPs are responsible for obtaining all statutory and non-statutory clearances, though JAKEDA and the Government will support the process in a time-bound manner.Jammu and Kashmir has an estimated hydro potential of over 20,000 MW, with around 16,200 MW already identified. To electrify remote areas and enhance renewable energy capacity, the UT is focusing on Micro, Mini, and Small Hydro Power Projects, with JAKEDA mandated to oversee developments up to 10 MW capacity.