Uttarakhand Releases Draft Solar Power Policy 2022; Offers Benefits to Power Generators

The Uttarakhand Government has released the draft of the Uttarakhand State Solar Policy 2022 and has invited public comments and recommendations on it. The draft solar policy will be implemented by the energy department and will be aimed at providing relief to those who will set up solar plants upto 25 MW in Uttarakhand.

As per the draft, the hill state of Uttarakhand can generate solar power upto 2000 MW. The state has a capacity of 600 MW for large solar power projects, 250 MW for residential solar, 750 MW for commercial and industrial solar spaces, 350 MW for institutions and 50 MW in the agricultural farmlands.

In the draft policy, the State Level Screening and Empowered Committee (SLSC) will be formed under the Chairmanship of Energy Secretary to allocate solar power plants up to 25 MW. A State Level Energy Committee (SLEC) of eight members will be created under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand to eliminate difficulties that may arise in the approval process and make any amendment in the solar policy. The Chief Secretary will also chair a Uttarakhand Solar Power Land Allotment Committee (USPLAC) to take decisions on land related matters.

The draft solar policy has been released in the public domain and the public can send their suggestions within 30 days from November 18, 2022.

 

The state released its previous solar policy in 2013. The draft of the new policy is offering an exemption of 100% in stamp duty on lease deed, purchase of land and change of land use. There will be no court fee on the registration or lease paper.

To enhance the electric vehicle adoption through quality infrastructure, the government of Uttarakhand will also offer a 50% discount in the lease price to those who will set up solar powered EV charging stations on public lands.

The draft policy also guarantees employment to local youth as each solar installation coming up on the government land will have to give employment 70% to the local youth.

Role of Agencies

The draft solar policy mandates Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) to prepare a green tariff proposal for solar energy that will be sent to the Regulatory Commission which may then offer options to the consumers to select for green tariff.