Uttar Pradesh Aiming For Over 10 GW Solar

• Uttar Pradesh of India has released the draft version of its Solar Power Policy 2017
• Under the policy, it is aiming to develop 10,700 MW of solar power capacity of which 4,300 MW will come from rooftop solar by the year 2022
• It will encourage the use of wastelands to develop integrated solar parks
• Large scale solar power projects will be awarded through competitive bidding process
• Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) will be responsible for the implementation of the policy

One of the largest Indian states in terms of area, Uttar Pradesh (UP) is proposing to meet its renewable purchase obligation (RPO) target of 8% by 2022 through 10,700 MW of solar power capacity. Of this, 4,300 MW is planned to come from rooftop solar projects. The major part will be utility scale grid connected solar power projects. There will be also off grid applications.  

In a draft policy issued recently, the state's New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has invited comments and suggestions on the same. UPNEDA will also be the nodal agency for the implementation of the policy. Comments can be sent by July 15, 2017 post which the government will issue the final Uttar Pradesh Solar Power Policy 2017.

State government will provide land on lease for utility scale solar power projects or offer land on a 'right to use' basis for the development of the park. It will encourage the use of waste lands to develop integrated solar parks based on the 'plug and play' model.

It will also offer to purchase 100% power generated from large scale solar power parks. Out of this at least 50% of the power will have to be sold to Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) or the distribution licensee.

For large scale stand alone solar projects, UPNEDA will award capacities through competitive bidding. Minimum project size will be 5 MW at a single location.

In case of grid connected rooftop solar projects, the state government will offer subsidies of 10,000 INR ($155) per kW. However, the first 100 MW of applications submitted online to UPNEDA will, if accepted, receive up to 20,000 INR ($310) per kW.

Through the policy, the state will encourage participation of the private sector and offer investment opportunities throughout the state in the solar sector. The operative period of the policy once it comes into force will be five years. The draft policy can be viewed on the UPNEDA website .

Uttar Pradesh will also profit from solar in another Indian state. Recently, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) launched a tender for 750 MW grid connected solar power capacity for the state of Uttar Pradesh. It will be located in Bhadla, Rajasthan (see SECI Tenders 750 MW In Rajasthan).