Lucknow: The Yogi government, actively developing Ayodhya, has marked a significant milestone by achieving a 40 MW power generation capacity through solar energy. This accomplishment has earned Ayodhya the prestigious designation of a model solar city under the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022.
According to this policy, a solar city is defined as one where renewable energy plants can reduce the estimated total demand for conventional energy by at least 10 percent. Ayodhya has surpassed this benchmark, achieving double the required capacity.
Notably, Ayodhya city’s estimated power demand is 198 MW. To meet 10 percent of this demand, about 20 MW, the capacity of the solar power plant has reached 40 MW. The installation and commissioning of this solar plant were completed within the scheduled time frame. The plant was set up by NTPC Green Energy Limited near the Saryu River in the villages of Majha Rampur Halwara and Majha Sarairasi.
It is noteworthy that the state government has leased 165.10 acres of land to NTPC Green Energy Limited for 30 years at the nominal rate of Rs 1 per acre per year to establish this solar power plant project. This plant, with a 40 MW capacity, will be purchased by UPPCL for 25 years at a cost-plus-determined tariff. The successful establishment of this project has led to Ayodhya being declared a model solar city.