Uttar Pradesh’s Solar Power Boom: 10X Growth in 8 Years, Eyes 22 GW by 2027 – EQ
In Short : Uttar Pradesh’s solar capacity has surged 10 times since 2016, reaching 2.8GW, with plans to hit 22GW by 2027. The state is focusing on Bundelkhand, a high-potential solar zone, to drive growth. This aligns with India’s renewable push, aiming for 500GW by 2030. Policies like the Solar Energy Policy 2022 are accelerating investments in the sector.
In Detail : Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable surge in solar energy capacity over the past eight years, with installations growing tenfold since 2016. The state, which had a modest solar footprint earlier, has now crossed 2.8 gigawatts (GW) of operational solar projects. This exponential growth reflects Uttar Pradesh’s focused efforts to transition towards renewable energy and reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
The state government has set an ambitious target of achieving 22 GW of solar capacity by 2027, nearly eight times its current capacity. A key driver of this expansion is the Bundelkhand region, identified as a solar hotspot due to its abundant sunlight and available land. Large-scale solar parks and rooftop installations are being prioritized to harness this potential and meet rising energy demands sustainably.
Policy initiatives like the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022 have played a crucial role in accelerating solar adoption. The policy offers incentives such as subsidies, simplified approvals, and land allocation support to attract developers. These measures have boosted investor confidence, leading to increased participation from both private players and public-sector enterprises in the state’s solar sector.
Uttar Pradesh’s solar push aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The state’s progress contributes significantly to the national target, with solar energy expected to play a dominant role. Experts highlight that sustained policy support and infrastructure development will be critical to maintaining this growth momentum in the coming years.
Challenges such as land acquisition, grid integration, and financing remain, but the state is actively working on solutions. The government is promoting hybrid projects combining solar with wind or storage to ensure consistent power supply. Additionally, efforts are underway to modernize the grid and improve transmission networks to accommodate the influx of renewable energy.
With Bundelkhand at the forefront, Uttar Pradesh is poised to become a major solar energy hub in India. The state’s rapid progress showcases its commitment to clean energy and sustainable development. If the current trajectory continues, UP could emerge as a model for other states aiming to boost renewable energy capacity while supporting economic growth and energy security.
