Lucknow, March 23: Over the past nine years, Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable strides in solar energy, establishing itself as a leading state in green energy in India. Before 2017, the state’s solar capacity was limited to around 400 megawatts. Today, it has surged to over 5,000 megawatts. Effective policies, large solar projects, and public participation have led to the installation of more than 400,000 rooftop solar systems, promoting clean and affordable energy.
Initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme have accelerated this transformation, making solar energy accessible to the general public. The state is also venturing into emerging sectors like green hydrogen, moving steadily towards energy self-sufficiency and its trillion-dollar economy goal.
Before 2017, solar energy development in Uttar Pradesh was minimal, with total installed capacity hovering around 400 megawatts. A lack of policy clarity, investment appeal, and large projects hindered progress. The rooftop solar program was in its infancy, and public awareness was low, resulting in limited participation in the clean energy sector.
The solar energy policies implemented after 2017 have completely reshaped the state’s energy landscape. The effective implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy of 2017 and 2022 has increased solar capacity to over 5,000 megawatts.
Large solar parks, ground-mounted projects, and particularly the rooftop solar program have been pivotal in this transformation. With over 400,000 rooftop solar systems installed, Uttar Pradesh has become one of the leading states in the country. The PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme has played a crucial role in turning this sector into a mass movement. Attractive subsidies have encouraged millions of consumers to install solar systems on their rooftops, saving them between ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 monthly. Additionally, net metering provides an extra income source by allowing consumers to sell surplus electricity.
The state government has set an ambitious target of developing 22,000 megawatts of solar capacity under the Solar Energy Policy of 2022. This includes a focus on large solar parks, ultra-mega projects, and solarizing government buildings. Furthermore, to promote innovation in green energy, work has begun on green hydrogen projects.
Torrent Power is establishing a 0.5-megawatt green hydrogen pilot project in Gorakhpur, with a production capacity of approximately 9 kilograms per hour. Meanwhile, Zero Footprint Industries Pvt. Ltd. is setting up a green hydrogen plant in Rampur with a capacity of 22.5 kilograms per hour.
The expansion of solar energy has reduced carbon emissions in the state and boosted clean energy production. It has also created thousands of jobs in solar installation, operation, and maintenance. On a domestic level, solar energy has transformed lifestyles. Its use now extends beyond lighting and appliances to cooking on induction cooktops and charging electric scooters and cars, reducing dependence on petrol, diesel, and gas. Through new technologies like green hydrogen, Uttar Pradesh is advancing with an eye on future energy needs.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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