UP tops in rooftop solar expansion: Dy CM

Lucknow: Acknowledging UP’s rising potential in renewable energy, deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak on Thursday said energy-reliance would ensure UP’s progress.Inaugurating the UP Energy Expo 2026, he said state govt was aware of its potential in the area. “In Apr, over 52,000 solar plants were installed in UP, making it No. 1 in the country in rooftop solar expansion,” he said, adding that over 5,000 companies working in the sector have generated direct employment for more than 70,000 people. This he said is in addition to lakhs who have benefited indirectly. He also claimed that rooftop solar installations across the state have helped conserve nearly 6,500 acres land.The three-day expo, organised jointly by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, First View and Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency, features participation of 200 companies from India and abroad, showcasing solar technology, smart grids, electric vehicles and energy storage systems.Additional chief secretary, energy, Ashish Kumar Goel said that as part of its resolve to become India’s “energy state” within the next decade, UP had attracted major investments in thermal, solar, hybrid and solar-plus-battery projects..Director, Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency, Ravindra Singh said more than five lakh rooftop solar plants have already been installed across the state, generating around 1,700 MW of capacity. He added that subsidies worth over Rs 3,000 crore have been provided by the Centre, while the state government has contributed more than Rs 1,000 crore for the initiative.