UP Govt To Transform Bundelkhand Expressway Into Solar Expressway, Targeting 550 MW of Solar Power Generation
In a significant move towards sustainable energy solutions, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to embark on the transformation of the Bundelkhand Expressway into the state's first solar expressway. This initiative is part of the Yogi Adityanath led UP government's ongoing efforts to promote the use of solar energy and establish Uttar Pradesh as a leader in renewable energy adoption.
Under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the government aims to install solar power plants along the 296 km long Bundelkhand Expressway, spanning 1700 hectares of identified land. The project, once completed, is projected to generate 550 MW of solar power, marking a significant leap in the state's renewable energy capacity.
The Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is actively driving the project. Key milestones, including the Due Diligence Study and the completion of the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage in August 2023, have paved the way for the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. Eight prominent solar power developers, including Tusco, Torrent Power, Somaya Solar Solutions, 3R Management, Avaada Energy, Atria Brindavan Power, Erisha E Mobility, and Mahapreit, have completed presentations in October 2023.
The solar expressway project is anticipated to have far-reaching benefits, both in terms of energy sustainability and economic growth. Once operational, the solar plants are expected to illuminate approximately one lakh houses connected to the expressway daily. The project's lifespan is estimated at 25 years, with a payback period of 10 to 12 years.
The completion of the Bundelkhand Expressway as a solar expressway is poised to address energy needs, laying the groundwork for future e-mobility and overall development along the expressway. The green energy generated is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the state's efforts to combat climate change.
Apart from environmental advantages, the project holds the potential to create local employment opportunities and meet the energy requirements of nearby communities. The expressway will also serve as a hub for electric vehicle charging and other energy-related services.
Financially, the UPEIDA stands to gain substantially from the initiative. The lease rent income is projected to reach four crore, while the sale of generated energy could result in an annual profit of Rs 50 crore. Moreover, the installation of solar plants on multiple expressways, including Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow, and Gorakhpur, could yield an annual benefit of six crore for UPEIDA in terms of energy consumption.
The Bundelkhand Expressway's unique features, including the availability of land and favourable weather conditions, make it an ideal candidate for the development of solar power plants.
The plan to cover the vacant space between the main carriageway and service lane with solar panels positions the expressway as a pioneering example of sustainable infrastructure, marking a significant stride towards an energy-efficient and environmentally conscious future.
