Sources said that among the many solar developers showing interest in the project are Tusco Ltd, Torrent Power Ltd, Somaya Solar Solutions Pvt Ltd, 3R Management Ltd, Avaada Energy Ltd, Atria Brindavan Power Ltd, Erisha E Mobility and MahaPreit. Da. (Representative image: AFP)
Once installed, the solar park will power the entire 296-km-long Bundelkhand Expressway, making it the first solar-powered expressway in the country
The country's first solar-powered highway will be built in 2026. Company of the Serpentine Solar Park, which will provide power to the Electric Road and other facilities nearby.
UPEIDA Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) Hari Pratap Shahi announced, “The UP government's plan to set up a large-scale solar park along the Bundelkhand Expressway will soon be implemented. In response to an expression of interest launched last year, around 20 companies from Leading companies from India and abroad have shown interest. The formalities for commissioning work are already underway and the project is expected to start by the end of 2024.
Sources said that among the many solar developers showing interest in the project are Tusco Ltd, Torrent Power Ltd, Somaya Solar Solutions Pvt Ltd, 3R Management Ltd, Avaada Energy Ltd, Atria Brindavan Power Ltd, Erisha E Mobility and MahaPreit. Da.
Shahi said that the entire plan will be based on the recommendations of a special company hired by the Uttar Pradesh government to conduct a feasibility study of the project. A study by the Global Alliance for People and Planetary Energy (GEAPP) found that in addition to the land used to build highways and the area of public facilities, there are about 1,500 hectares of remaining land, enough to build highways. Megawatts of energy. Shahi said the estimated cost of the project is around Rs 2,500 crore.
Once installed, the solar park will power the entire 296-km-long Bundelkhand Expressway, making it the first solar-powered expressway in the country. As of now, the Bhadra Solar Park in Rajasthan is the world's largest solar power plant, covering an area of 14,000 acres and generating 2,245 MW of electricity. Plans along the Bundelkhand Expressway are expected to surpass it. In addition to powering the highway, the energy will be used to power other facilities, including a hundred thousand nearby homes and industry.
Shahi said that under the Solar Energy Policy 2022, the Bundelkhand solar park plan will be a major driver for UP to achieve its goals. “The Bundelkhand Expressway Solar Park is our pilot project. Once successful, similar projects will be implemented along with other existing expressways including Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Noida Expressway, Purwan Expressway Char Highway etc.,” Shahi said.
He said that the generation of green energy will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help slow down the rate of climate change.
The Bundelkhand Expressway was inaugurated on July 16, 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a cost of approximately Rs 148.5 billion. An important step for road infrastructure. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone on February 29, 2020, and the project was completed within 28 months. The highway cuts across seven districts – Chitrakoot, Banda, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Jharaun, Auraiya and Etawah – enhancing the connectivity of the region.
