Grappling with power shortage, Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has decided to invest Rs 50,000 crore in the next four years in the solar power sector to produce 10,700 MW of green energy by 2022. This move is aimed at easing out the situation in the state and fulfil the CM's election promise of providing electricity to each house in the state.
While announcing the move, Minister for Law, Justice, Additional Energy Resources and Political Pension Brajesh Pathak said the government has plans to set-up 'Green Power Corridors' that would cost Rs 4,000 crore in Bundelkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh with Centre's help.
Under the Solar Power Policy 2017, approved by the Cabinet, Pathak said that industrial houses in Bundelkhand region and eastern Uttar Pradesh will get cheaper power from the solar units.
"A separate transmission line will be laid by the government in Bundelkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh for transmitting power across Uttar Pradesh. The cost of the transmission line will be borne by the state government," Pathak said.
Currently, the demand and supply gap and power shortfall are being bridged through buying power from national grid and private players which is costing a lot.
The new Solar Power Policy will also generate employment in the state. In its first employment scheme, the state has decided to employ about 10,000 'Surya Mitra'. They will be trained in setting-up solar plants and its maintenance.
"Since UPNEDA is short of staff, these Surya Mitras will help consumers set-up solar plants. Many investors have already approached the state government to set-up solar power plants in the state," claimed the Minister.
A single window system has already been created at UPNEDA office for clearances and completing necessary formalities. The UPNEDA portal will also begin an online application processing services shortly.
The State government has offered many sops to investors and consumers to set up captive solar plants and rooftop solar power units. Investors have been offered 50 per cent rebate in transmission charges if they sell solar poerr within state and 100 per cent if sold outside the state.
Similarly, consumer setting up rooftop solar poer units will be offered a subsidy of Rs 15,000 per KW. Solar power units up to 10 KW have been exempted from Safety and security norms. Those setting up solar plants have been exempted from taking clearances from environment ministry and pollution board.
The State government has already adopted RESCO Model (Renewable Energy Service Company) under which an agreement will reach between investors/consumers to purchase extra power produced. The state government will bear the cost of setting up rooftop solar power plants at public/private organizations/consumers.
Yogi Adityanath government has laid emphasis on generating more power from green energy to save environment from pollution caused by thermal power plants. Since solar power is pollution-free, environment-friendly and cost effective, the CM has directed UPNEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency) to gear up for meeting the target of producing 10700 MW green energy by the 2022.
GENERATING JOBS
- The new Solar Power Policy will also generate employment in the state.
- In its first phase of employment, the state will employ about 10,000 ‘Surya Mitras’.
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