Ayodhya To Become UP’s First ‘Solar City’; India’s Solar Energy Revolution To Value USD 238 Billion by 2030

Ayodhya is currently on a fast track to becoming Uttar Pradesh’s inaugural “solar city” in anticipation of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, expected to take place in January; the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Department (UPNEDA) has assumed responsibility for transforming this historic town into the state’s premier “solar city.”

The consecration ceremony, likely to be held on January 22, is anticipated to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi and approximately 10,000 dignitaries from across the country, according to Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is closely monitoring the progress in Ayodhya; in May, after inspecting efforts to electrify the town using solar power, the chief minister stated, “Ayodhya is the capital of Suryavansh. So, here, electricity will come not from other sources but from renewable solar energy.”

The comprehensive plan for Ayodhya’s transformation into a solar city includes:

• Establishing a solar park along the banks of the Saryu River.
• Introducing solar-powered boats.
• Installing solar streetlights.
• Adopting solar energy in public transportation.
• Providing solar-powered amenities such as mobile charging stations at public locations.
• Electrifying government buildings with solar energy.
• Increasing the utilization of solar power for domestic purposes.

This initiative is a vital component of Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious Solar Energy Policy 2022, which also aims to develop 16 municipal corporations and Noida as “solar cities.” 

The objective is to make Ayodhya a model for the solar city initiative and apply the lessons learned to implement solar policies in other proposed cities, as explained by UPNEDA Director Anupam Shukla.

Although the solar city project spans five years (2023-2028), the first phase will include facilities such as streetlights, solar panel installations on government buildings, e-rickshaws equipped with charging stations, solar trees, and solar-powered water purifiers for drinking water kiosks. Shukla expressed confidence that most ongoing projects in Ayodhya will be completed by January.

One of the most significant aspects of the project is the establishment of a 40 MW solar plant on the banks of the Saryu, managed by NTPC Green, with the commissioning of 10 MW expected by January. The project’s land has been finalized, and work is already in progress.

Additionally, solar panels will be installed on the rooftops of 117 government buildings, totaling 2.5 MW, and solar power with a capacity of 6 MW will be established on 125 residential and commercial buildings.

Notably, 134 solar smart streetlights have already been installed, with an additional 276 to be installed soon; these streetlights feature a modular design with batteries inside the poles and solar panels on top.

Solar streetlights will illuminate the renowned Ram Path, a 12.9-kilometer, six-lane road leading to the temple from Sahadatganj on the Lucknow-Ayodhya National Highway to the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk in the Nayaghat area; moreover, 800 solar streetlights have been installed throughout the city.

To promote electric vehicles, UPNEDA is establishing two solar-powered EV charging stations. A six-metric-ton solar cold storage facility is also being installed at the mandi to aid farmers in preserving their produce.

Other amenities expected to be in place by January include:

• 150 solar high-mast lights at prominent road crossings.
• Five dedicated e-rickshaws for disabled devotees.
• 10 solar-powered water kiosks (four of which have already been installed).
• Two solar-powered boats capable of accommodating 30 passengers.

The UP State Tourism Development Corporation will operate these boats and will be available for use by devotees on the Saryu River.

According to the Solar Energy Policy, any city where 10% of electricity demand is met through renewable power will be designated as a solar city; UPNEDA officials are confident that Ayodhya will meet this target in the initial phase by January.

India’s Soaring Solar Energy Sector

India’s solar energy industry has been making remarkable strides, with a promising outlook for the coming years. 

The “India Solar Power Industry Report 2023-2027” reveals significant growth trends and factors that are driving this transformation. 

The market, estimated at USD 38 billion in 2021, is expected to skyrocket to approximately USD 238 billion by 2030, boasting an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 40% between 2022 and 2030.

Favorable Government Policies Fuel Growth

A key driver of this growth is the Indian government’s progressive policies aimed at expanding solar electricity generation. 

Notably, the “National Program on High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules,” backed by an investment of INR 4,500 crore, incentivizes the production of high-efficiency solar PV modules through a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme; the initiative aims to bolster domestic manufacturing capacity and exports, fostering self-reliance and sustainability.

Additionally, the Solar Energy Corporation of India, responsible for advancing the renewable energy industry, received a substantial allocation of Rs. 1,000 crores (US$ 132 million) in the Union Budget 2022–23. 

Also, a PLI program of $2.57 billion (Rs. 19,500 crores) was included in the budget to boost high-efficiency solar module production. These initiatives indicate the government’s commitment to fostering the solar sector.

India’s Ambitious Renewable Goals

India is on a path to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity, aiming to achieve 50% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030; the nation’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 stresses its commitment to combating climate change. 

India’s renewable energy market currently ranks fourth globally in attractiveness, and the installed renewable power generation capacity is set to double by 2026.

By 2030, India plans to install a colossal 450 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity, with more than 60% of it (280 GW) dedicated to solar energy. 

Between March 2014 and November 2022, India has increased its solar power capacity by 12 GW, highlighting its rapid progress in the sector.

Notable Investments and Developments

Several key investments and developments have propelled India’s renewable energy sector forward:

1. In August 2022, Norway’s largest pension company, KLP, and Norfund entered into a deal to purchase a 49% stake in a 420 MW solar power facility in Rajasthan.

2. In the first half of 2022, India produced 47.64 billion units (BU) of solar energy, marking a remarkable 34% year-on-year increase.

3.A record-breaking US$ 14.5 billion was invested in renewable energy in India during FY22, representing a staggering 125% surge over FY21.

4. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has achieved a significant milestone by operating entirely on hydroelectric and solar energy, demonstrating India’s commitment to sustainable practices.

5. Ayana Renewable Power Pvt Ltd has announced plans to invest Rs. 12,000 crores (US$ 1.53 billion) to build 2 GW of renewable energy projects in Karnataka.

Market Dynamics and Outlook

While renewable energy sources historically incurred higher costs than conventional energy sources, technological advancements have levelled the playing field. 

The Indian government’s support, coupled with growing environmental concerns, has attracted significant global investments in renewable energy; solar energy’s declining costs, aided by tax breaks and incentives, have made it a formidable contender against fossil fuels like coal.

Moreover, India’s capacity to import solar panels from China at competitive prices has further enhanced the appeal of solar energy systems; as the cost of solar energy continues to drop, it is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s energy dynamics.

The Last Bit, India’s journey toward a greener and more sustainable energy sector through solar power is both impressive and promising. 

With the support of visionary government policies, ambitious renewable energy goals, and significant investments, India is shining brightly on the global stage as a renewable energy leader. 

As the nation strives for net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and aims to meet 50% of its electricity needs through renewables by 2030, the solar energy sector stands at the forefront of this transformation. 

The falling costs of solar energy, combined with technological advancements and international partnerships, have paved the way for a solar-powered future.