The Uttar Pradesh government has drawn up plans to link the water supply project in rural areas, ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’, with solar power. Currently, 33,000 Jal Jeevan schemes for supplying groundwater-based drinking water are being implemented across the state.

According to the government, it is estimated that as much as Rs 1 lakh crore can be saved by energising water supply projects with solar power over the next decade.

The 33,229 solar energy-based groundwater schemes in UP are projected to save the state exchequer Rs 1 lakh crore during their lifecycle by cutting down on energy bills.

Moreover, these projects will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.3 million tonnes (MT) annually, lowering the use of fossil fuel-based thermal power.

“To support clean energy initiatives, solar panels with a combined capacity of 900 megawatts (MW) have been installed. This innovation has been recognised by the Centre as the best practice,” a UP government official said, adding that it would set a precedent for eco-friendly governance in India.

Recently, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to speed up solar power projects and schemes. In addition to cost savings, solar energy-based schemes are expected to help UP earn

39 million carbon credits over 30 years, showcasing UP’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The adoption of solar energy-based schemes is reducing energy costs and contributing to the state’s transformation into a ‘green state’, he noted.

Meanwhile, the state government is also promoting the establishment of microgrids by private sector companies in rural areas. In this regard, Tata Power Renewable Microgrid, a subsidiary of Tata Power, has already installed 150 solar-powered microgrids with a total capacity of 4.5 MW in UP.

These microgrids serve 150 villages, benefiting rural households and 300 micro-enterprises, including flour mills, oil expellers, rice hullers, spice grinders, and jaggery units, Tata Power Renewable Microgrid CEO Manoj Gupta said.

Moreover, UP is planning to set up floating solar power plants in partnership with NTPC, Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam. By 2027, the state targets solar power generation of 14,000 MW.

Additionally, the state has set a target of 1 million tonnes production capacity per year of green hydrogen/green ammonia by 2029.