Uttarakhand Hosts First Solar Fair to Promote Renewable Energy Adoption

Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL) has organised the first two-day Solar Fair, 'Saur Kauthig,' in Dehradun on December 16-17. The event is a joint initiative by UPCL and the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA), under the guidance of the Energy, Environment, and Water Council.

The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at Rangers Ground, with Padma Shri awardee Anil Joshi as the special guest. Around 200 solar panel manufacturing companies have registered to participate in the two-day event, and more than 50 companies will showcase their products, offering a glimpse into the latest advancements in solar technology. The fair will also include group discussions, competitions to educate children about solar energy, and cultural programs in the evening to engage and inform the public in creative ways.

Under Uttarakhand’s new solar energy policy, the State has set an ambitious target of generating 1,400 MW of electricity by 2027. This includes 250 MW from the residential sector, 750 MW from commercial and industrial sectors, 350 MW from the institutional sector, and 50 MW from the agricultural sector. Additionally, a target has been set to transform 300 villages into solar-rich communities. 

The State has made significant progress under the PM Suryaghar Scheme, achieving its target of installing solar power systems in 10,252 homes three months ahead of schedule for the financial year. A subsidy of INR  17,000 per kWh is being provided by the state government, and an additional INR 28,600 per kWh is offered by the central government. Of the 10,252 installations, approximately 2,600 beneficiaries have already received subsidies from both the central and State governments.

Speaking to the media ahead of the event, Anil Kumar Yadav, Managing Director of UPCL, stated, “We have set a target of installing 40,000 solar rooftop plants in the state by 2027, and the public response has been very encouraging. Solar energy is clean energy, and everyone can contribute to making our environment pollution-free."

Manoj Kumar, Chief Project Officer of UREDA, highlighted efforts to reduce electricity expenses in government offices through solar power projects. He added that UREDA is gathering information on vacant land from various departments to create a land bank, which will play a vital role in advancing the State’s renewable energy objectives.

The event showcases Uttarakhand’s leadership in renewable energy while also providing a platform for discussions on expanding solar adoption across the state. The Solar Fair represents a significant step toward Uttarakhand’s renewable energy goals and its broader commitment to sustainable development.