Aiming for a robust renewable energy portfolio, Uttar Pradesh is targetting to achieve solar energy generation capacity of 25,000 megawatt (mw).
Even as energy demand has hit 28,000 mw per day in UP, the state is looking to replace pollution-causing thermal power generation with renewable and green energy viz. solar, wind, bioenergy etc.
In fact, the state is planning to float tenders for procuring solar energy worth 7,000 mw. While the bidding for 4,000 mw of solar energy will be undertaken soon, the bidding process for an additional 3,000 mw will be undertaken in the second phase.
According to UP energy minister A K Sharma, solar energy will also help the state power utilities to pare their financial losses, which are estimated at Rs 46 crore per day.
The power demand from different category of consumers is rising rapidly in UP. As such, solar and other green energy is expected to mitigate climate change impact to a large extent.
He maintained UP offered huge investment potential in the renewable energy space. Sharma recently interacted with a visiting delegation of Japanese entrepreneurs in Lucknow led by Japan ambassador to India Hiroshi Suzuki.
Meanwhile, the state has already drafted the solar energy and bioenergy policies even as hydro energy, biofuel and energy storage policies are being hammered out to woo investors.
These steps will cut dependence on coal-fired thermal power generation and reduce carbon emissions, so that the future generations inherited a greener environment.
Recently, Gujarat minister Rushikesh Patel talked about possibilities of collaboration between Gujarat and UP entrepreneurs in the renewable energy and food processing sectors.
Podcast -How is currency exchange rate fixed?
Patel visited Lucknow for a roadshow in the run up to the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) scheduled for January 10-12, 2024.