In a significant move to bolster its renewable energy ambitions, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Smart Energy Council of Australia and the Hinduja Group. The agreement, signed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, aims to foster employment opportunities, enhance technological collaboration, and build a skilled workforce in the state’s rapidly growing green energy sector.
The MoU, effective from 2025 to 2027, sets forth a collaborative framework that includes developing and implementing solar skill development programmes, promoting technology transfer, and commercialising cutting-edge renewable energy technologies. It also seeks to strengthen the solar and green hydrogen value chains and facilitate bilateral investment and student exchange initiatives between India and Australia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Secretary Singh reiterated the state’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity. He highlighted the target of achieving 22,000 MW of solar power generation and stressed the need for skilled manpower to realise this vision. He further noted that this collaboration would be pivotal in transforming Uttar Pradesh into a renewable energy hub and would contribute to India’s broader goal of attaining 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
The partnership will also explore new market opportunities in areas such as green hydrogen production and energy storage solutions. These efforts are expected to drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and promote environmental stewardship across the state.
The Smart Energy Council, a prominent Australian organisation committed to advancing smart energy technologies, has expressed strong support for this partnership. Its CEO, John Grimes, stated that the initiative would deliver meaningful results in the coming years by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and investment between the two countries.
The Hinduja Group, through its renewable energy arm, Hinduja Renewables, has also reaffirmed its dedication to supporting India’s sustainability and energy self-reliance goals. Dr Sunil K. Chaddha, Senior Advisor at the Hinduja Group, reiterated the company’s commitment to driving renewable energy projects in Uttar Pradesh.
As part of the MoU, specialised training modules and solar skill development programmes will be introduced to equip the local workforce with the expertise needed in emerging green technologies. In addition, efforts will be made to commercialise innovative renewable solutions and attract investments that further the state’s energy ambitions.
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The agreement was formalised in the presence of senior state officials, including Pankaj Kumar, Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), and Anupam Shukla, Managing Director of UP Renewable and EV Infrastructure Limited, among others.