UP CM Yogi Adityanath roots for new solar power policy, sets a target of 22,000 MW in 5 years – EQ Mag Pro
LUCKNOW: Emphasising on the need to promote solar projects, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday set the target of generation of 22,000 MW of solar power in the next five years and asked the officials to formulate a new solar energy policy keeping the future needs in view.
Reviewing the energy requirements of the state at a high level meeting, the CM said, “Commitment to environmental protection and promotion of non-conventional energy alternatives is necessary to meet the growing energy needs. Solar energy is a very useful medium from this point of view.”
He said though efforts were being made for the last few years, more planned efforts were required to achieve self-reliance in the energy sector.
“Concerted efforts are required to encourage solar power generation in the state. We have to minimise our dependence on conventional energy options. A new solar energy policy should be prepared keeping in view the future needs. Our target should be to generate 22,000 MW of solar power in the next five years,” the CM said.
He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the UP government was working on a plan to develop Ayodhya as a ‘model solar city’. “This project will set the benchmark for other cities. All necessary efforts in this regard should be made in a time-bound manner,” he said. The CM emphasized on the need for a conducive environment for private sector investment in the field of solar energy generation and said that a single window system could be introduced for timely completion of projects.
“All necessary support, including easy availability of land and capital subsidy will be provided to investors in the solar energy sector. While framing a new solar energy policy, do consult the industry. Understand the needs of the investing entities/companies. Take the opinion of all the parties and prepare the new policy after extensive consultation,” Yogi said.
The CM said that public awareness should be increased to promote installation of solar power plants on rooftops. He said a solar cell should be constituted in districts under the chairmanship of the chief development officer and registration of all solar projects should be made mandatory.
“People should be encouraged to install rooftop solar power plants in all government, residential, public and private commercial buildings as well as educational institutions. These should be linked to the net billing/net metering system as per the requirement,” he said.
Yogi said prisoners should be trained in making solar energy equipment. “They should be trained to make solar power panels, LED bulbs etc. It will encourage MSMEs and startups to adopt and implement solar rooftop model,” he said.
Source: PTI
