UPNEDA Plans 1.3GW Solar Project In Jhansi, Issues EOI

UPNEDA Plans 1.3GW Solar Project In Jhansi, Issues EOI

The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop a 1.3 GW solar project in the Jhansi district. The state nodal agency plans to implement the project on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis. The submission deadline for the EOI is January 31, 2025.

“The purpose of the EOI is to know the interest of the Solar Project Developers for setting up the solar projects at the locations mentioned in the EOI documents. The Govt. land will be allocated to the developers on first come first serve basis and at the land lease rates as defined in the solar energy policy, 2022,” the tender said.

UPNEDA intends to develop the projects in the Garautha and Mauranipur tehsils of Jhansi district, Uttar Pradesh. Successful respondents will have the flexibility to select their own power procurers.

5,508 acres of land 

The tender highlights that the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy, 2022, aims to achieve an addition of 22,000 MW solar energy by 2027, including a target of 14,000 MW for large-scale solar power projects.

“The project is set to be developed on a total of 5,508 acres of land, comprising 957 acres of government land and 4,551 acres of private land. The land is distributed across three contiguous parcels in nine villages of the Garautha tehsil and one contiguous parcel in a village of the Mauranipur tehsil, located in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. To support the establishment of this solar power plant and as per the provisions of solar energy policy, 2022, UPNEDA will lease the 957 acres of government land for a period of 30 years,” the tender said. The potential mentioned in the EOI document is tentative in nature and based on the assumption of 1 MW = 4 acres, the agency stated.

Govt to facilitate land 

UPNEDA assured developers that it would facilitate access to government land identified for the project, which will be allocated by the State Level Committee (SLC). However, developers must independently arrange the lease or purchase of private land.

“The solar power plant developers shall be required to survey, design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning with operations & maintenance of SPV and connect the same with the nearest STU/DISCOM substation along with commissioning of the project within stipulated time period. The SPD shall also be required to obtain and maintain all consents, clearances, permits and approvals for the entire lease period. The SPD has to arrange for the Power procurer by its own,” the UPNEDA EOI stated.