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In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a key player in India’s renewable energy landscape, particularly in solar power. The state has achieved a remarkable increase in its solar capacity, growing from 289 MW in 2017 to an impressive 4,230 MW in 2024—a staggering 13-fold increase. This progress reflects a significant boost in capacity and a broader commitment to renewable energy that aligns with national goals and international environmental standards.

Remarkable Growth in Solar Energy

Uttar Pradesh’s solar energy sector has witnessed exceptional growth. Over the past two years, the state’s solar capacity has doubled from 2,100 MW to 4,230 MW. This rapid expansion underscores the state’s commitment to renewable energy and its strategic approach to harnessing solar power.

The Solar Energy Policy 2022 outlines ambitious plans to add 22,000 MW of solar power capacity through large-scale solar parks and distributed rooftop systems. Both central and state governments support these initiatives with incentives and subsidies, creating a conducive environment for investment and development in the renewable sector.

Investments and Initiatives

A combination of visionary leadership and investor confidence has buoyed the state’s investment landscape in renewable energy. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and state’s Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has become a hotspot for renewable energy investments.

In February 2023, Uttar Pradesh hosted a Global Investment Summit, a resounding success, attracting investments worth over Rs 8 lakh crore in the renewable energy sector. This momentum continued into February 2024, when 188 projects were declared Groundbreaking Ceremony (GBC) ready, with a staggering investment worth Rs 142 lakh crore.

Solar Utility-Scale Projects

Uttar Pradesh has become a magnet for private and public sector developers interested in solar projects. Notable players such as Avaada, Amplus, Ampin Energy, Adani, and Sunsure, along with PSU giants like GAIL, NVVN, THDC, NTPC, and Coal India, are actively establishing solar projects in the state.

Approximately 8,000 acres of land have been allocated to developers for solar installations, with an additional 22,000 acres identified for future projects. Through UPNEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency), the state has established joint ventures with THDC, NHPC, and SECI to develop solar parks. The current capacity includes 430 MW of commissioned solar parks, with 3,700 MW under development.

Recent developments include bids for major solar parks, such as TUSCO’s 600 MW solar park in Jhansi and upcoming parks in Lalitpur and Chitrakoot. Other initiatives include BSUL’s 1200 MW Jalaun Solar Park and LSPDCL’s 110 MW Solar Park in Kanpur Dehat.

Solar Rooftop – PM SURYA GHAR

On February 13, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the PM Surya Ghar scheme to solarize 1 crore households across India. Uttar Pradesh has set an ambitious target to solarize 25 lakh households, accounting for 25% of the national target. The state has introduced various measures to streamline the process, including waiving the Transmission and Distribution (TFR) charge for projects up to 10 kW.

UPNEDA has established a dedicated call center and launched the Solar Samadhaan portal to address consumer concerns and facilitate vendor registration. The state currently ranks 4th nationally in solar rooftop installations. Notably, Varanasi has seen a tenfold increase in rooftop solar installations in nine months, serving as a model for other regions.

PM KUSUM and Agrivoltaics

Under the PM KUSUM scheme, Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides, with 2,000 solar pumps installed. The state’s goal for the current financial year is to solarize 10,000 pumps, reflecting a strong response from farmers. The introduction of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) is a notable innovation enhancing the efficiency of these systems.

Agrivoltaics, or agricultural land use for farming and solar energy production, is also gaining traction. Uttar Pradesh has installed pilot projects in Agra and secured funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for larger-scale initiatives. This approach optimises land use and improves electricity access in rural areas.

Bioenergy and Green Hydrogen

Uttar Pradesh is also advancing in bioenergy, with an estimated potential of 40,000 TPD for CBG (Compressed Biogas) generation. The state leads India with 32 bioenergy projects, including 24 CBG projects with a combined capacity of 210 TPD. UPNEDA has facilitated land allocation and provided additional incentives to support these initiatives.

In March 2024, Uttar Pradesh launched its Green Hydrogen Policy to produce 1 MMTPA (Million Metric Tons Per Annum) of green hydrogen by 2029. This policy offers substantial fiscal incentives and aims to contribute 20% to the national target. The state has signed 20 MoUs with developers, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology.

Surface Kinetics and Pumped Storage

Uttar Pradesh has a canal area of 85,000km and significant potential for surface hydro kinetics projects. A pilot project on the Upper and Lower Ganga Canals is underway in collaboration with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN).

Pumped storage projects are also a focus, with the state investing in facilities to manage peak loads and complement renewable energy sources. The state has signed MoUs for 11 pumped storage projects, with 7 projects already under various execution stages, primarily in the Vindhyanchal region.

Also Read | Renewable Energy Growth to Outpace Overall Energy Expansion in India by 2030: CRISIL Report

Conclusion

Uttar Pradesh is making significant strides towards a sustainable future with its aggressive renewable energy policies and initiatives. The state’s focus on solar energy, coupled with its efforts in bioenergy, green hydrogen, and innovative projects like agrivoltaics, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to achieving its renewable energy targets.

With supportive policies, substantial investments, and a clear vision for the future, Uttar Pradesh is set to play a pivotal role in India’s renewable energy landscape. The state invites developers, investors, and stakeholders to engage with its renewable energy initiatives and contribute to building a greener, more sustainable Uttar Pradesh.

Insights shared by Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Authority (UPNEDA)

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