Schneider Electric also proposed establishing a Youth Impact Cluster in Ladakh and a similar Centre of Excellence in Kargil to expand advanced technical education across the Union Territory.
BY PC Bureau
July 11: In a major push to strengthen technical education and position Ladakh as a centre for clean energy innovation, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Smart Energy and Electrical Systems at the Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency (LREDA) campus in Leh.
The Centre has been established to equip young professionals, engineers and technical students with industry-relevant skills in renewable energy, industrial automation, smart electrical systems and emerging technologies tailored to the unique environmental and infrastructural challenges of the Himalayan region.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship programmes—Skill India, Digital India, and Make in India—and is aimed at creating a future-ready workforce capable of supporting Ladakh’s transition towards sustainable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.
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Advanced Training in Emerging Technologies
The Centre features state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with modern industrial technologies, including 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.
During the first phase, trainees will receive specialised instruction in electrical installation and maintenance, industrial automation, SCADA and IIoT applications, solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, building management systems, and electric vehicle charging and energy management.
Officials said the curriculum has been designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in India’s expanding clean energy and smart infrastructure sectors while addressing the specific operational requirements of high-altitude regions like Ladakh.
Schneider Electric Joins as Technology Partner
Global energy management and automation major Schneider Electric has partnered with the project as its Energy Technology Partner, while the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, has provided the infrastructure for the Centre.
Under the collaboration, Schneider Electric will help train engineers, ITI graduates and technical professionals in advanced fields such as high-altitude microgrids, renewable energy integration, industrial automation, smart grid technologies, SCADA, PLC programming, and Building Management Systems.
The partnership aims to develop a pool of skilled professionals capable of supporting Ladakh’s growing renewable energy sector and contributing to India’s clean energy transition.
‘Preparing Ladakh’s Youth for the Future’
Addressing the inaugural function, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said Ladakh’s challenging terrain and climatic conditions also presented significant opportunities for innovation in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and advanced engineering.
“Ladakh’s future 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 our 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.
Expansion Planned Across Ladakh
During the event, Schneider Electric also expressed interest in establishing a Youth Impact Cluster in Ladakh consisting of one central training hub supported by three to five satellite centres to cater to local industry requirements.
The company further proposed setting up a similar Centre of Excellence in Kargil to expand access to advanced technical education and skill development across the Union Territory.
Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen Ladakh’s ambition of becoming a national leader in renewable energy, smart power systems and sustainable mountain development while creating employment opportunities for local youth in high-growth technology sectors
