Uttarakhand Targets 2,500 MW Solar Capacity Under New Energy Policy

Dehradun, Mar 1 (KNN) Uttarakhand is rapidly establishing itself as a significant contributor to India's renewable energy landscape, with ambitious initiatives in solar and hydropower sectors driving both environmental sustainability and economic growth in the Himalayan state.

Under the Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy 2023, the state has set an ambitious target of producing 2,500 megawatts of solar energy. This comprehensive policy allocates 1,100 megawatts for utility-scale projects, 750 megawatts for domestic consumption, and 350 megawatts for institutional use. 

To date, 575 megawatts of solar projects have received approval, with 235 megawatts currently under development.

A cornerstone of Uttarakhand's renewable energy strategy is the Mukhyamantri Solar Swarojgar Yojana, designed to create employment opportunities for rural youth while promoting solar energy adoption. 

The government has allocated Rs 1,250 crore to achieve a 250-megawatt target under this scheme. Progress has been substantial, with 91 projects totaling 174 megawatts approved and 51 projects with a combined capacity of 4.9 megawatts already commissioned.

Beneficiaries of the program have reported significant economic improvements. Gopal, a participant from Uttarkashi, stated, "The solar power plant I have installed has provided me with a good income. 

My monthly earnings range from Rs. 1.20 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh." Another beneficiary, Saurabh Nautiyal, reported earning "Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month" from his 20-kilowatt solar plant.

In collaboration with the central government, Uttarakhand has introduced the PM Suryodaya Yojana: Free Electricity Scheme to provide affordable and clean energy to residents. 

The program offers a subsidy of Rs. 17,000 per kilowatt, with a maximum subsidy of Rs. 51,000 for solar plants up to 3 kilowatts. The government has already distributed Rs. 7.04 crore in subsidies for the installation of 5.58 megawatts of solar plants.

The impact on household economics has been substantial. Chandra Prakash from Champawat noted, "Earlier, our electricity consumption was 320 units per month. 

After installing this solar plant, we now generate 450 units of electricity, leaving us with a surplus of 130 units." Harish Chand Dobhal from Rudraprayag shared that his "electricity bill has dropped to almost zero," paying only Rs. 600 in total electricity bills over two years.

Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary of Energy, Housing & Planning for Uttarakhand, highlighted the state's strategic focus: "We have developed a new solar policy with a target of generating 2,000 megawatts by 2027. 

Our main focus is on distributed solar energy, including the Mukhyamantri Solar Swarojgar Yojana, which is the state's flagship program, along with nationally funded flagship programs like the PM Suryodaya Yojana."

The state government has also introduced the Solar Water Heater Scheme to reduce energy consumption. This initiative provides a 50 percent subsidy for domestic users and a 30 percent subsidy for commercial users installing solar water heaters. 

Pushpa Mehar, a beneficiary in Champawat, expressed satisfaction with the system, noting it "helps us save on electricity while providing hot water."

Beyond solar initiatives, Uttarakhand is advancing hydropower generation with 41 projects currently operational, producing a total capacity of 14.65 megawatts. 

These combined renewable energy efforts have created employment opportunities throughout the state while expanding energy production in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised the state's progress, stating, "As a result of our government's efforts, over 23 megawatts of energy capacity has been successfully installed in Uttarakhand in the last seven months. We are taking several measures to promote solar energy, and this will undoubtedly be a game-changer for our state."

These coordinated initiatives demonstrate Uttarakhand's commitment to self-reliance in the renewable energy sector, positioning the state as an emerging leader in India's transition to sustainable energy sources.

(KNN Bureau)