UP Reaffirms 22 GW Solar Goal, Reviews PM-KUSUM Progress

Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has reaffirmed its goal of adding 22 GW of solar energy capacity, during a review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath.

The meeting in Lucknow focused on evaluating progress under key national solar programs, including the PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar schemes. Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister A.K. Sharma and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Secretary Nidhi Khare were also present.

PM-KUSUM Scheme

Energy Minister of Uttar Pradesh A. K Sharma thanked Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi for handholding Uttar Pradesh and providing an allocation of 3.7 lakh pump allocation under the PM-KUSUM Scheme (Component C – Feeder Level Solarization).

Pralhad Joshi stated that the Central Government provides up to 90% subsidy under this scheme, enabling farmers to adopt solar systems at significantly lower costs.  The Union Minister also visited Duggaur village in Bakshi Ka Talab tehsil of Lucknow to inspect a solar pump project established under the PM-KUSUM C-1 scheme.  A local resident Mohammad Ahsan Ali Khan has installed an 11.2 kW on-grid solar power plant for his private 7.5 HP irrigation pump. The total cost of the project is ₹6,23,909, of which ₹1,87,173 was provided as central subsidy, ₹3,74,345 as state subsidy, and only ₹62,391 was contributed by the beneficiary.

Case Study

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also visited Duggaur village in Bakshi Ka Talab tehsil of Lucknow to inspect a solar pump project established under PM-KUSUM C-1 scheme. Local resident Mohammad Ahsan Ali Khan has installed an 11.2 kW on-grid solar power plant for his private 7.5 HP irrigation pump. The total cost of the project is ₹6,23,909, of which ₹1,87,173 was provided as central subsidy, ₹3,74,345 as state subsidy, and only ₹62,391 was contributed by the beneficiary.

Since installation, the solar plant has generated a total of 8,945 kWh of electricity, out of which 7,100 kWh has been exported to the grid, while 1,845 kWh has been used for irrigation. This has not only given Ahsan energy independence but also enabled him to earn additional income by selling surplus power to the grid. This project stands as an inspiring model for other farmers to adopt sustainable and income-generating agricultural practices through solar energy.