LG Ladakh Saxena inaugurates Centre of Excellence for Smart Energy, Electrical Systems

Leh, July 11: In a major step towards positioning Ladakh as a hub for clean energy innovation and future-ready technical education, Lieutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, today inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Smart Energy and Electrical Systems at LREDA Campus in Leh. The Centre has been established to equip local youth with advanced skills in renewable energy, industrial automation and emerging technologies suited to the unique requirements of the Himalayan region. Aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Skill India”, “Digital India” and “Make in India”, the Centre has been equipped with advanced laboratories covering Industrial Automation using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems, SCADA and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Smart Electrical Systems, Building Management Systems, Renewable Energy Technologies, Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and Fire & Safety Automation. During the first phase, specialised training programmes will be offered in Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Industrial Automation, Building Management Systems, SCADA and IIoT, Solar PV Technologies, and Electric Vehicle Charging and Energy Management. Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management, industrial automation, electricity distribution, building automation and grid management technologies, is associated as the Energy Technology Partner for the Centre of Excellence. LAHDC Leh has provided the building for this Centre. Under this partnership, the Centre will focus on developing local capacity by training engineers, ITI graduates and technical professionals in specialised domains such as high-altitude microgrids, smart automation systems, renewable energy integration, SCADA, PLCs and Building Management Systems, addressing the unique operational requirements of mountainous regions like Ladakh. Addressing the gathering, L-G Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena said that Ladakh's unique geography presented challenges but also unparalleled opportunities in renewable energy, smart infrastructure and climate-resilient technologies. "The future of Ladakh lies in building a skilled, innovative and self-reliant workforce capable of leading the transition towards clean energy and advanced technologies. This Centre of Excellence will prepare the youth for emerging sectors such as renewable energy, industrial automation, electric mobility and smart infrastructure. Our objective is not merely to create employment but to nurture innovators, entrepreneurs and technology leaders who will contribute to the sustainable development of Ladakh and the nation," L-G Shri Saxena said. On the occasion, Schneider Electric also expressed its interest in supporting the establishment of a Youth Impact Cluster in Ladakh, comprising one central Hub and three to five spoke centres, aligned with the skill requirements of local industries. It also proposed a similar Hub for Kargil to expand advanced technical education across the Union Territory.