UP govt policies boost solar sector’s prospects

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo-2025 witnessed the participation of over 2,500 visitors on its second day, as attendees explored contemporary solar solutions and environmentally friendly technologies. During a panel discussion on Creating a Competitive Environment for Solar Manufacturers, UPERC chairman Arvind Kumar drew attention to Uttar Pradesh's rising energy requirements and the resulting opportunities for solar manufacturers. He highlighted the state's effective industrial policies, which attracted investments worth Rs 6 lakh crore in the previous year.

Senior project officer of UPNEDA, Rakesh Kumar Agarwal emphasised the achievements of the PM-KUSUM scheme, with particular focus on UP's pioneering KUSUM portal.

Agricultural energy synergies in Uttar Pradesh were another focal point during a session that examined the integration of solar panels with agriculture. Manish Khare addressed land leasing policies, while Prasoon Anand proposed the idea of pilot projects. Participants noted the scheme's potential to boost both farmer incomes and sustainability. The transport session focused on the demand for large charging stations. Abhimanyu Wali sought govt assistance to set up 1,000 MW of fast-charging infrastructure along highways, aiming to reduce charging time from 8–10 hours to just 15–20 minutes.Regional director of the UP State Chapter of PHDCCI, Atul Srivastava, said: "UPEX 2025 is an initiative that brings perspectives, technology, and implementation together on a single platform," adding that for a dynamic state like Uttar Pradesh, the path to sustainable energy lies in collaboration and capacity building at every level — from grassroots entrepreneurs to global investors.

• Published On May 10, 2025 at 08:56 AM IST