UPEIDA and GEAPP Join Forces for Solar Park Along Bundelkhand Expressway
Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is collaborating with Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) on developing a solar park with a potential capacity of 450-500 MW along the Bundelkhand Expressway.
October 22, 2024. By Mrinmoy Dey
This ambitious project, the first of its kind in India, will establish a green energy corridor across the 296-km expressway, transforming the region into a model for scalable solar-powered infrastructure.
After conducting an extensive feasibility study, GEAPP confirmed the potential for installing up to 450 MW of solar power along the expressway’s designated land area of 15-20 metres on both sides. The Uttar Pradesh government has since approved the project, which aims to enhance energy supply, promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and provide clean energy to surrounding villages.
The project, estimated to cost approximately INR 1,800 crore, is set to generate electricity at a competitive rate. This not only represents a competitive energy solution but also offers a novel model of land use for energy projects, capitalising on the availability of land along the expressway.
The solar park, with an available land area of 1,700 hectares, will operate under a Build-Own-Operate model, with a total project term extending for 25 years from the commercial operation date, signifying a long-term investment in economic and environmental sustainability. The selection will be based on the highest bidder, determined on the parameter of revenue share with the Authority per unit (INR/kWh) of solar power. The Uttar Pradesh Infrastructure Development Authority (UPEIDA) released the Request for Proposals (RFP)on October 8, 2024, inviting global bids for the same.
In addition to contributing to the state’s green energy goals, the project will provide a significant boost to local communities. By supplying clean energy to nearby villages and creating employment opportunities, the solar highway will foster economic resilience and environmental stewardship across Bundelkhand. Furthermore, the anticipated installation of EV charging stations along the expressway will support India’s shift towards electric mobility, addressing one of the major barriers to EV adoption—access to charging infrastructure.
Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh and Chairman and CEO of UPEIDA commented, “Our partnership with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) marks a leap towards sustainable infrastructure development with the Bundelkhand Expressway. We look forward to inviting global developers to participate in our e-bidding process for this solar park project. This is an opportunity for innovators in the renewable energy sector to join us in creating a scalable and economically viable energy solution that will not only benefit our region but also set a precedent for future projects across India.”
Saurabh Kumar, Vice President - India, GEAPP added, “We are committed to support UPEIDA in developing this pioneering solar park along the Bundelkhand Expressway, which will not only bolster regional energy supply but also set a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure across India. This project underscores our resolve to advancing innovative renewable energy projects, especially in high solar potential regions, and serves as a model for integrating clean energy solutions into infrastructure development nationwide.”
India's 6,000 km of expressways offer immense renewable energy potential, with the Bundelkhand Solar Highway project alone unlocking 10 GW. GEAPP is helping Uttar Pradesh realise its vision of becoming a renewable energy hub and is conducting similar feasibility studies for other expressways in the state.
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