Uttar Pradesh is poised to emerge as a prominent hub of renewable energy, with the Bundelkhand region leading the charge following the launch of numerous projects worth Rs 1.3 lakh crores during the Ground Breaking Ceremony 4.0 (GBC 4.0), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The three-day event happening in Lucknow from 19 to 21 February, aims at catalysing development across various sectors, and witnessed the unveiling of 182 projects under the aegis of the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), totaling an investment of approximately Rs 40 lakh crores.
Notably, these projects signify a significant leap towards positioning Bundelkhand as the 'Urjanchal' or energy hub of the state.
Anupam Shukla, Director of UPNEDA, highlighted the pivotal role of GBC 4.0 in driving transformative changes in the energy landscape of Uttar Pradesh. He emphasised that the department had surpassed its target by achieving projects worth Rs 1.30 lakh crore, reflecting a commendable accomplishment of 104 per cent.
The renewable energy sector stands as a cornerstone of this transformative agenda, with substantial investments earmarked for solar energy, bioenergy, pumped storage projects, and green hydrogen initiatives. Notably, the solar energy sector alone is slated to witness investments totaling Rs 55,806 crores, encompassing 42 projects.
Additionally, the bioenergy sector is set to receive investments worth Rs 7,299.35 crores through 131 projects, while pumped storage projects will attract investments of Rs 66,955 crores from eight companies collectively. A green hydrogen project, with an investment of Rs 150 crores, further underscores the state's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Bundelkhand, a region with seven districts, is considered economically backward, and is slated to witness a substantial transformation with the launch of several high-impact projects.
Key initiatives include a Rs 6000 crore project by NHPC in Jalaun, a Rs 4000 crore solar energy and hydro project in Chitrakoot, and a Rs 5000 crore project in Lalitpur, collectively amounting to Rs 15,000 crores. These endeavours aim to leverage Bundelkhand's untapped potential and position it as a pivotal player in the renewable energy sector.
Moreover, investments in renewable energy projects extend beyond Bundelkhand, with significant initiatives such as the Adani Group's Rs 300 crore biogas project in Mathura and Neyveli Lignite Corporation's solar projects worth Rs 3,500 crore in various parts of the state.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's relentless efforts to promote renewable energy are yielding positive outcomes, with Uttar Pradesh poised to emerge as a beacon of sustainable development.
With traditional energy sources posing environmental challenges, the state's focus on renewable energy not only addresses sustainability concerns but also generates employment opportunities on a large scale. As Uttar Pradesh embarks on this journey towards energy independence, it paves the way for a greener, more prosperous future for the state and the nation as a whole.