The green energy initiative has benefitted the environment and significantly reduced electricity costs for government departments. In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) is expanding the use of green energy.

Building on the success of the rooftop solar plant at its Kanpur headquarters, UPSIDA has developed a plan to install rooftop solar plants, green belts and solar paths in its other industrial areas. The plan includes installation of solar rooftop plants on public facilities within its industrial zones, such as administrative buildings, civic centres, common facility centres (CFCs), transit hostels, common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), and offices of regional managers.

The rooftop solar plant at the Kanpur headquarters of UPSIDA has already saved the authority Rs 27.35 lakh in electricity bills over the past few months. UPSIDA estimates that this initiative will have a net savings of approximately Rs 1,104 lakh over the next 23 years.

UPSIDA installed a 150-kW solar rooftop plant at its Kanpur headquarters in January 2024 to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy. The project, completed under the CAPEX model with assistance from the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), at a cost of Rs 82.98 lakh.

Since the installation of the solar rooftop plant, the UPSIDA has achieved significant energy savings – 35 per cent in January and February 2024, 32.42 per cent in March, 56.92 per cent in April and May, and 34.95 per cent in June and July 2024. This has already covered about 33 per cent of the total project cost. The UPSIDA expects to recover the full price within two years, while the lifespan of these solar panels is approximately 25 years. Over the next 23 years, this solar plant is projected to generate net savings of around Rs 1,104 lakh for UPSIDA.

As part of UPSIDA’s plan to expand green energy, a survey conducted with the assistance of UPNEDA has identified 53 key locations across various industrial areas with a total electrical load of approximately 2,000 kW. These locations include MG Road (Hapur), Begrajpur (Secunderabad), Surajpur Site-B (Gautam Buddha Nagar), Site 5 Kasna (Surajpur), Secunderabad (Bulandshahr), EPIP Kasna, TDS City (Baghpat), Foundry Nagar (Agra), Kosi Kotwan (Mathura), Bhogaon (Agra), Chinhat (Lucknow), Rae Bareli, Sandila (Hardoi), Kursi Road (Barabanki), Jainpur (Kanpur Dehat), Malwan (Fatehpur), Naini (Prayagraj), Karkhiyav (Varanasi), Bargarh (Chitrakoot), Unnao, Banthar, Parsakheda (Bareilly), Gajraula-2 (JP Nagar), and Shahjahanpur.

The UPSIDA plans to develop solar pathways along the green belts in these industrial areas. These pathways will enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces and provide a sustainable, off-grid lighting solution. Ideal for parks, playgrounds, and surrounding paths, these solar pathways will contribute to both environmental sustainability and the beautification of industrial areas.

UPSIDA Chief Executive Officer Mayur Maheshwari said that in line with the Solar Energy Policy 2022 of the Government of India and the Uttar Pradesh government, the industrial development authority would soon install solar rooftop plants across all regional offices and projects.

UPSIDA is actively encouraging entrepreneurs in industrial areas to adopt solar rooftops for their factories. It has attracted entrepreneurs to install solar plants at their units by raising awareness of the benefits. This initiative will lower electricity bills and enhance their contribution to energy production.