Latest news with #UPNEDA
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
RENEWABLE POWER OBLIGATION: Regulator reprimands UPNEDA for data laxity
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has strongly reprimanded the state's designated nodal agency, UPNEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency), for gross non-compliance and delays in furnishing Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) data. The power regulator has warned that the agency's laxity could invite penalties for defaulting power entities and undermine clean energy goals. RPO is a regulatory mandate requiring large electricity consumers to purchase a fixed share of their power from renewable sources like solar, wind, or biomass. It is aimed at cutting carbon emissions and promoting clean energy in the state. However, most entities are not meeting this obligation or the date on their meeting the obligation is not available. In a suo motu order last week, the commission expressed dissatisfaction with UPNEDA's handling of its responsibilities under the UPERC (Promotion of Green Energy through Renewable Purchase Obligation) Regulations, 2010. 'Despite repeated directions, the agency has failed to ensure timely and complete reporting from obligated entities—distribution licensees and large power consumers required to purchase a portion of their electricity from renewable sources,' it noted. According to the order, UPNEDA has so far submitted compliance data for only 378 out of 509 obligated entities, that too only from 2019-20 onwards. This is despite the Commission's earlier directive that data from 2010-11 onwards must be submitted, in line with statutory provisions. 'The compliances by UPNEDA have been really pathetic,' the order reads, underscoring that UPNEDA is still struggling to provide even the annual compliance data for all obligated entities, while the regulations mandate quarterly and yearly reporting The commission also criticised UPNEDA's inability to enforce compliance, revealing that nearly 35%-40% of the obligated entities are either non-compliant or only partially compliant. In such cases, UPNEDA should have filed petitions and ensured that show cause notices were issued for deferment or purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), it said. The commission reminded UPNEDA that its role as the State Nodal Agency is crucial for driving renewable energy adoption. The agency was supposed to monitor compliance and generate timely reports—functions that have been severely compromised due to data gaps and administrative inertia. During the hearing, UPNEDA's director Inderjit Singh appeared in person and informed the commission that data collection for the remaining entities was underway. However, the commission found the progress unsatisfactory and directed UPNEDA to submit a comprehensive compliance report covering all obligated entities from 2010-11 onward within a month. In a move aimed at modernising the compliance process, the commission advised UPNEDA to launch an online portal to collect yearly, quarterly, and estimated RE requirement data. It also instructed the agency to update its website with information on registration and accreditation of renewable energy generators. The commission has fixed July 8, 2025, as the next date of hearing. However, the personal appearance of the UPNEDA director has been dispensed with till further orders.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Farming meets solar in U.P's clean energy drive
In a significant step towards promoting clean energy, Uttar Pradesh has issued letters of agreement (LoAs) to over 100 developers for establishing solar power plants with a combined capacity of more than 1,527 MW aimed at supplying solar power to agriculture feeders. These solar power plants will be set up under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM) C-2 scheme. The initiative targets solarisation of approximately 5,000 agriculture feeders, ensuring eight hours of uninterrupted daytime power supply to tubewells/pump-sets for irrigation. The UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) has already segregated around 80% of the agriculture feeders from the domestic ones for assured and reliable power supply for fixed eight hours for irrigation. 'The UP government has fixed the target of generating 2,000 MW of solar power under KUSUM C-2 by 2027 and against it we have already issued LoAs for more than 1,51,527.2 MW of solar power to over 100 developers who will set up solar plants adjacent to the identified sub-stations catering to separate agriculture feeders,' UPNEDA secretary and chief project officer, Pankaj Singh said. The UPPCL will procure the solar power generated under the scheme for 25 years for ₹2.99 per unit, ensuring stable revenue for developers and long-term income for farmers. 'The scheme provides an opportunity for farmers and landowners to lease barren or unutilised land to solar power developers under pre-fixed agreements. UPNEDA has developed a dedicated online portal where interested farmers can register their land free of cost for leasing. Solar plants can be set up within a 5-10 km radius of identified substations, requiring around four acres per megawatt of capacity,' project officer Rakesh Agrawal said. The financial framework for developers includes a maximum central assistance of ₹1.05 lakh per MW and a state government grant of ₹50 lakh per MW as Viability Gap Funding, totaling ₹1.55 crore per MW. Under the scheme, farmers/ group of farmers/ panchayat / cooperative / Farmer Producers Organization (FPO) and project developers can participate in the tender. Also, under the scheme, farmer's land near the selected substations is to be leased by the selected Solar Power Project Developer for 27 years at a mutually agreed lease rent which will ensure a steady income for the farmers. 'For farmers, the scheme ensures a steady income through land lease payments and reliable daytime solar power for irrigation. Developers benefit from access to land, guaranteed power purchase agreements, and government incentives. DISCOMs gain access to affordable solar power, reducing power purchase costs and AT&C losses, 'Agrawal explained. The developers selected through a competitive bidding process will have six months' time to set up the plant at the identified sites from the date of the letter of agreement.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Ahead of ground breaking ceremony: Set up 10 anchor units under industrial policies, create 78K acre land bank, says CS Manoj Kumar Singh
Chief secretary Manoj Kumar Singh has issued directives to expedite investment projects and prepare eligible projects for the upcoming Ground-Breaking Ceremony (GBC) as part of the state's push towards a $1 trillion economy. Singh, while chairing a review meeting at Lok Bhawan, here on Tuesday, instructed departments to establish at least 10 anchor units under various industrial policies and ensure the timely inclusion of eligible projects in the GBC. He emphasised refining policies in consultation with industry associations and stakeholders to foster a more investor-friendly environment. Departments have been asked to create a 78,000-acre land bank by utilising LDA land, under-utilised department land, and land from sick units. District magistrates and VCs have been tasked with meeting specific land allocation targets. Singh also stressed regular updates on the PM Gati Shakti portal to streamline project execution and directed departments to actively utilise the platform for gap analysis and data management. Invest UP CEO Vijay Kiran Anand reviewed projects exceeding ₹200 crore and urged departments to expedite account management and maintain consistent coordination at the ACS and PS levels. He emphasised effective implementation of 34 operational policies to improve the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) for existing and prospective investors. The officials from key sectors, including UPNEDA, IT & Electronics, tourism, textile, horticulture, dairy, MSME, civil aviation, and UPSIDA, attended the meeting.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP govt policies boost solar sector's prospects
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo-2025 witnessed the participation of over 2,500 visitors on its second day, as attendees explored contemporary solar solutions and environmentally friendly technologies. During a panel discussion on Creating a Competitive Environment for Solar Manufacturers, UPERC chairman Arvind Kumar drew attention to Uttar Pradesh's rising energy requirements and the resulting opportunities for solar manufacturers. He highlighted the state's effective industrial policies, which attracted investments worth Rs 6 lakh crore in the previous year. Senior project officer of UPNEDA, Rakesh Kumar Agarwal emphasised the achievements of the PM-KUSUM scheme , with particular focus on UP's pioneering KUSUM portal. Agricultural energy synergies in Uttar Pradesh were another focal point during a session that examined the integration of solar panels with agriculture. Manish Khare addressed land leasing policies, while Prasoon Anand proposed the idea of pilot projects. Participants noted the scheme's potential to boost both farmer incomes and sustainability. The transport session focused on the demand for large charging stations. Abhimanyu Wali sought govt assistance to set up 1,000 MW of fast-charging infrastructure along highways, aiming to reduce charging time from 8–10 hours to just 15–20 minutes. Regional director of the UP State Chapter of PHDCCI, Atul Srivastava, said: "UPEX 2025 is an initiative that brings perspectives, technology, and implementation together on a single platform," adding that for a dynamic state like Uttar Pradesh, the path to sustainable energy lies in collaboration and capacity building at every level — from grassroots entrepreneurs to global investors.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
3-day expo to play up smart energy, solar power
Lucknow: The UP State Chapter PHDCCI, in association with UPNEDA, is organising Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo 2025 from May 8 to 10, at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Gomtinagar. The three-day exhibition will witness participation from over 150 exhibitors representing the renewable energy sector , who will display the latest innovations in solar power, smart energy grids, and electric mobility . The purpose of the event is to showcase UP's strengths in clean energy and bolster development, partnerships and investments in the sector. The expo is scheduled to feature high-profile conference sessions where industry experts, thought leaders and policymakers are expected to deliberate on emerging energy solutions, technological innovations, funding structures and sustainability practices. The exhibition is open to industry professionals, entrepreneurs, govt officials, members of academia and public, with free registration and entry for all attendees. UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, co-chair, Rajesh Nigam, said UPEX 2025 would play a vital role in the state's energy sector progress. He pointed out proactive steps taken by Central and state govts to promote solar energy and adoption of electric vehicles.
