UPNEDA Invites EOI for Development of 1.3 GW Solar Projects in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting Solar Project Developers (SPDs) to set up solar power projects with a cumulative capacity of 1.3 GW.

The projects are proposed to be developed on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis in Tehsil Garautha and Mauranipur, located in District Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to enhancing renewable energy capacity and leveraging underutilised land resources to produce clean energy, contributing significantly to the National Solar Mission.

The proposed solar power projects will span a total area of 5,508 acres, comprising 957 acres of government land to be leased by UPNEDA under the provisions of the Solar Energy Policy, 2022, and 4,551 acres of private land. The identified land includes three contiguous parcels spread across nine villages in the Garautha Tehsil and one contiguous parcel in a village of the Mauranipur Tehsil. Developers will have the flexibility to independently arrange for power purchasers through bilateral agreements or market-based mechanisms, providing them with opportunities to capitalise on dynamic market conditions.

UPNEDA has outlined a detailed scope of work for the selected SPDs, which includes conducting site surveys, designing, procuring, installing, and commissioning solar photovoltaic systems. Additionally, developers will be responsible for securing the necessary consents, clearances, and approvals, as well as connecting the projects to the nearest State Transmission Utility (STU) or DISCOM substation. To facilitate the process, UPNEDA will allocate government land through the State Level Committee (SLC), while developers will independently manage the leasing or purchase of private land.

Developers are invited to submit their pre-bid clarifications by 15th January 2025 via the official e-tendering portal. The final deadline for online submission of EOI proposals is 31st January 2025. Developers must adhere to these timelines to participate in the tendering process.

The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Uttar Pradesh's renewable energy goals while leveraging the state's solar potential to meet growing energy demands sustainably. For further details, developers are encouraged to visit the UPNEDA website or contact the agency directly.