Continuing with its endeavor to generate green electricity Akhilesh Yadav Government has approved proposals of almost half a dozen companies to generate 225 MW of electricity in next one year. The decision was taken after final bids were approved by the Department of Non-Conventional Energy Development Authority. The department is headed by Chief Minister himself.
Among the companies that have agreed to set up solar power plants are Adani Group, Zee Group, Sukhveer Agro Energy ltd, a Uttar Pradesh venture which also delves into farm sector and other small groups that would set up solar power plants from 10 to 5 MW capacity each. These solar power plants will sell power to the state grid under 25 years power purchase agreement, the price of which would be decided. Official told The Pioneer that Adani group, Zee Group and Sukhveer Agro Energy ltd will set up 50 MW of solar power plants each. The Adani group will set up plant in Bundelkhand, near Jhansi. This is the first venture of Adani Group in UP. The group also pans to set up a 1000 MW solar park in eastern UP, preferably in Varanasi.
“Recently a family member of Gautam Adani met Chief Minister and showed his willingness to invest in UP particularly in solar power. He praised the solar power policy of the state government. Chief Minister had invited him to bid for solar power projects,” the official said. UP got its first megawatt-capacity solar power in 2012 when Chief Minister had inaugurated 2 MW plant in village Sandauli of Barabanki district. Recently Chief Minister had inaugurated a 5 MW poer plant in Mahoba and had declared that many more such plants will come up in the state in near future.
UP, as a matter of fact, is blessed with a good solar radiation to the tune of 1,800 kilowatt-hour per sqm on an annual average basis. This is necessary for operating a solar photovoltaic power plant. Uttar Pradesh Government is committed to increase power generation as it has promised 16-20 hour power supply in rural areas and 20-24 hour electricity in cities by the end of 2016.