Uttar Pradesh has set a target of increasing its renewable energy generation capacity to 20,000 MW within the next two to three years as the state expands solar power and strengthens its clean energy programme.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the target while addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of SAEL Industries’ manufacturing facility in Jewar. He said the state currently generates around 6,000 MW of electricity from renewable energy sources and is moving rapidly toward its long-term goal, PTI reported.
Highlighting the role of distributed solar generation, Adityanath said more than six lakh households in the state have become energy self-reliant by installing rooftop solar systems under the Prime Minister Surya Ghar Yojana.
According to the chief minister, these households are receiving adequate daytime electricity while reducing nighttime consumption, leading to a decline in electricity bills by nearly 50 to 60 per cent.
He said rooftop solar installations across the state are collectively generating more than 2,000 MW of electricity, reducing pressure on thermal power generation.
Adityanath said that without rooftop generation, the same electricity demand would have needed to be met through conventional thermal power stations.
Referring to recent global energy disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia and supply concerns through the Strait of Hormuz, the chief minister said such developments highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic energy security and reducing dependence on conventional fuel sources.
He said India’s renewable energy push under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged greater focus on environmentally sustainable growth and cleaner energy systems.
Adityanath also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing role in the biofuel sector, stating that the state has emerged as the country’s largest ethanol producer following the implementation of the ethanol blending programme.
According to him, Uttar Pradesh’s sugar industry has become self-reliant and currently contributes nearly 55 per cent of India’s ethanol production.
He added that the state also leads the country in the number of compressed biogas plants and plans to establish 100 additional facilities over the next year.
The chief minister said agricultural residue that is otherwise burned can be utilised in compressed biogas plants to produce CNG, compressed biogas and ethanol while generating an additional source of income for farmers.
Welcoming SAEL Industries’ investment in the state, Adityanath said the company is establishing the project with an investment of ₹8,200 crore and plans to develop annual manufacturing capacity of six gigawatts of solar cells and five gigawatts of solar modules.
He said the investment would strengthen India’s domestic solar manufacturing capability, reduce dependence on imports, particularly from China, and generate employment opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, engineering, technical services and MSMEs, according to PTI.
Adityanath added that Uttar Pradesh would continue to provide investors with infrastructure support, security and an enabling environment for industrial growth.
