In a significant step towards positioning Ladakh as a hub for clean energy innovation and future-ready technical education, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on July 11 inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Smart Energy and Electrical Systems at the Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency (LREDA) campus in Leh.

The Centre has been established to equip local youth with advanced skills in renewable energy, industrial automation and emerging technologies tailored to the unique requirements of the Himalayan region.

Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Skill India, Digital India and Make in India, the Centre features state-of-the-art laboratories for Industrial Automation using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Smart Electrical Systems, Building Management Systems, Renewable Energy Technologies, Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, and Fire and Safety Automation.

In its first phase, the Centre will offer specialised training programmes in Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Industrial Automation, Building Management Systems, SCADA and IIoT, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technologies, and Electric Vehicle Charging and Energy Management.

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and industrial automation, has partnered as the Energy Technology Partner for the Centre. The building has been provided by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh.

Under the partnership, the Centre will focus on developing local capacity by training engineers, ITI graduates and technical professionals in specialised areas such as high-altitude microgrids, smart automation systems, renewable energy integration, SCADA, PLCs and Building Management Systems to address the unique operational challenges of mountainous regions like Ladakh.

Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Saxena said Ladakh's unique geography presents both challenges and immense 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," he 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. The company also proposed setting up a similar hub in Kargil to expand advanced technical education across the Union Territory.