Bundelkhand Expressway will become the first solar expressway of the state.
Lucknow (ANI): As part of its ongoing efforts to promote the use of solar energy in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government plans to convert the Bundelkhand Expressway into the state’s first solar expressway. The government intends to set up solar power plants along the Bundelkhand Expressway under the PPP model, with a target of generating 550 MW of solar power. For this initiative, the government has identified 1700 hectares of land on the Bundelkhand Expressway. Many major companies have shown interest in participating in this project.
Once completed, the project has the capacity to light one lakh houses connected to the expressway every day. The expected life of the project is 25 years, with a payback period of 10 to 12 years. Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) is currently busy in giving shape to this project. Apart from the Expression of Interest (EOI stage), due diligence study related to the project has also been completed, which was completed in August 2023. Additionally, the RFP for selection of developers for the project is also being finalized. The bidding process is likely to start soon. Eight leading solar power developers completed submissions in October 2023 including Tusco Ltd, Torrent Power Ltd, Somaya Solar Solutions Pvt. Ltd., 3R Management Ltd., Avada Energy Ltd., Atria Brindavan Power Ltd., Arisha E Mobility and Mahapreet. The completion of the expressway project is expected to meet energy needs and serve as a foundation for future e-mobility and development along the expressway.
The project will generate significant amounts of green energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to mitigating climate change. There will be an increase in energy sources, which will lead to economic growth in terms of increased open grid access. This initiative will also create local employment opportunities. Furthermore, the electricity generated can be used by nearby communities. Besides, electric vehicle charging and other energy needs will also be met on the expressway. Further, developing Bundelkhand Expressway as Solar Expressway will bring substantial benefits to UPEIDA. UPEIDA is also likely to earn an income of Rs 4 crore from lease rent.
The sale of generated energy can yield an annual profit of Rs 50 crore. By installing solar plants on Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow and Gorakhpur Expressway, UPEIDA can get an annual benefit of Rs. 6 crore in terms of energy consumption. Bundelkhand Expressway provides an excellent opportunity for the development of solar power plants. The main reason for this is the easy availability of land in this area. Additionally, it is an arid region (arid zone), and receives an average annual rainfall of around 800–900 mm, along with clear weather. Bundelkhand Expressway is also counted among the modern and well-equipped expressways. The 296 km long four-lane highway is divided into two parts, the main carriageway and service lanes. In the space between these two, a strip of land about 15 to 20 meters wide is currently vacant along the entire expressway, which is used to separate agricultural land and erect fencing. Now there are plans to cover this area with solar panels and this will take the entire expressway an unprecedented step towards becoming a solar powered expressway. (ANI)
