Uttar Pradesh is making a strong push toward renewable energy, aiming to achieve 32 GW capacity by 2030 under the Solar Energy Policy 2022. The strategy emphasizes large-scale solar parks, widespread adoption of rooftop solar with a target of 13.5 lakh households, and the development of Ayodhya as a model solar city.
Planning and Management of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Resources in Uttar Pradesh
Energy planning and management are central to sustainable development, economic growth, and energy security. As India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh faces rising energy demand from agriculture, industry, urbanisation, and infrastructure expansion. In response, the state has adopted a comprehensive strategy integrating renewable energy expansion, efficient management of non-renewable resources, policy incentives, and infrastructure development, aligned with India’s national commitment of 500 GW clean energy capacity by 2030.
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Planning and Management of Renewable Energy Resources
Key Government Initiatives
- Utility-Scale Solar Development: The state plans 14 GW of utility-scale solar power projects by FY 2028, including large and ultra-mega solar parks to ensure bulk generation, grid stability, and cost efficiency.
- Rooftop Solar Expansion: A target has been set to cover 13.5 lakh households with rooftop solar systems. Regulatory support through net billing and net feed-in mechanisms notified by UPERC improves financial viability for consumers.
- Green Energy Tariff: The Government of Uttar Pradesh has introduced a Green Energy Tariff, fixing 50% of the additional cost at ₹0.54 per kWh, allowing consumers to voluntarily opt for renewable electricity.
- PM-KUSUM Scheme: Under this scheme, UP has declared a target of adding 2,000 MW of solar capacity, mainly through solar irrigation pumps and decentralised solar plants, reducing diesel dependence in agriculture.
- Rural and Village Electrification: Solar micro-grids and village electrification programmes enhance last-mile connectivity and energy access in remote areas.
- Model Solar City Initiative: Ayodhya is being developed as a Model Solar City, integrating rooftop solar, solar street lighting, and green urban infrastructure.
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Planning and Management of Non-Renewable Energy Resources
Despite the renewable push, non-renewable energy continues to form the backbone of Uttar Pradesh’s energy system, ensuring base-load supply and grid stability.
| Non-Renewable Energy Source | Status and Role in Uttar Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Coal | Primary contributor to electricity generation in the state. Coal-based thermal power plants supply most of Uttar Pradesh’s base-load electricity and ensure grid stability. |
| Natural Gas | Uttar Pradesh has limited gas reserves but is connected to the national gas grid. Gas-based power plants such as Panki and Dibiyapur provide peak-load and balancing power. |
| Oil and Petroleum | The state has modest oil reserves and hosts the Mathura Oil Refinery, a key petroleum processing facility supplying fuels to northern India. |
| Nuclear Energy | Contributes a small share (around 1–2%) to the state’s installed capacity but remains a strategic non-renewable source, exemplified by the Narora Atomic Power Station. |
Major Conventional Power Plants
- Bara Thermal Power Station (Prayagraj) – ~1980 MW
- Meja Thermal Power Station (Prayagraj) – ~1320 MW
- Other plants include Anpara, Obra, Panki, and Dibiyapur
These plants are essential for meeting industrial demand and evening peak loads when solar generation is low.
Institutional and Regulatory Framework
- UPPCL oversees generation, transmission, and distribution.
- UPPTCL manages power transmission infrastructure.
- UPERC regulates tariffs, power purchase agreements, and performance standards.
Non-renewable plants play a crucial role in balancing the intermittency of renewable energy within the state grid.
Challenges in Energy Planning and Management
High Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Losses: Persistent AT&C losses reduce financial viability and limit the ability of DISCOMs to invest in modern energy infrastructure.
Land Use Conflicts: Large solar parks compete with agricultural land, creating social resistance and rehabilitation challenges.
Policy and Regulatory Uncertainty: Delays in tariff approvals, revision of PPAs, and evolving regulatory norms create investor uncertainty.
Limited Domestic Manufacturing Base: Heavy dependence on imported solar modules and storage technologies exposes the sector to global supply chain disruptions.
Skilled Manpower Deficit: Inadequate availability of trained personnel for installation, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy systems.
Water Stress in Thermal Power Plants: Coal-based plants are water-intensive, creating sustainability challenges in drought-prone regions like Bundelkhand.
Environmental and Social Externalities: Air pollution, ash disposal, and displacement issues related to thermal power plants continue to pose governance challenges.
Way Forward
Grid Modernisation and Storage Expansion: Accelerate deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS), pumped hydro storage, and AI-based grid management for balancing intermittent renewables.
DISCOM Reforms and Financial Sustainability: Reduce AT&C losses through smart metering, feeder separation, and direct benefit transfer (DBT) of subsidies.
Land-Efficient Renewable Models: Promote canal-top solar, floating solar, agro-photovoltaics, and rooftop systems to reduce land pressure.
Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing: Encourage solar module, inverter, and battery manufacturing under Make in India and PLI schemes within the state.
Water-Smart Thermal Power Management: Mandate dry cooling technologies, treated wastewater reuse, and stricter water efficiency norms for thermal plants.
Regulatory Stability and Investor Confidence: Ensure transparent, time-bound approvals of tariffs, PPAs, and grid connectivity through single-window mechanisms.
Just Energy Transition: Support re-skilling of workers from fossil fuel sectors and ensure social safeguards for communities affected by large projects.
Decentralised and Community-Based Energy Systems: Expand solar micro-grids, biomass plants, and local energy cooperatives to improve rural resilience.
Conclusion
Uttar Pradesh’s energy planning reflects a pragmatic and future-oriented transition towards a renewable-led growth model while responsibly managing non-renewable resources. Through strong policy support, institutional mechanisms, and targeted initiatives, the state is well-positioned to ensure energy security, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development, making it a significant contributor to India’s clean energy transition.
