The UP government intends to convert the Bundelkhand Expressway into the state’s first solar-powered expressway as part of its ongoing initiatives to encourage the usage of solar energy in the state. Here are the details about this solar expressway of Uttar Pradesh.
Bundelkhand Expressway To Become UP’s 1st Solar-Powered Expressway!
Under the PPP concept, the government plans to build solar power plants along the Bundelkhand Expressway with a capacity of 550 MW. The government has designated 1700 hectares of land for this. Numerous well-known businesses have expressed interest in taking part in this endeavour. When the project is finished, one lakh residences that are connected to the expressway could have electricity access daily. This project is anticipated to last 25 years, with a 10 to 12-year payback period.
This project is now being developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). Together with the completion of the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage in August 2023, the project’s Due Diligence Study has also been finished. In addition, the request for proposals (RFP) for the project’s developer selection is nearing completion. It’s expected that the bidding procedure will begin soon.
In October 2023, eight top solar power developers completed their presentations. They include Tuscon Ltd., Torrent Power Ltd., Somaya Solar Solutions Pvt. Ltd., 3R Management Ltd., Mahapreit, Atria Brindavan Power Ltd., Avaada Energy Ltd. and Erisha E Mobility.
When the expressway project is finished, energy demands should be met and the groundwork for future e-mobility and development along the route will be laid. By producing a sizable amount of green energy, the project will lower greenhouse gas emissions and slow down the rate of climate change.
Also Read: Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway: From Cost To Route, All You Need To Know
Energy sources will proliferate, resulting in increased open grid access and economic prosperity. Additionally, this programme will create jobs locally. Additionally, neighbouring villages can make use of the electricity produced.
It Will Meet Energy Needs
The expressway will also be used to meet other energy needs, like charging electric vehicles. Moreover, UPEIDA will gain a lot from the Bundelkhand Expressway’s development as a solar motorway. Additionally, lease rent might bring nearly ₹4 crores for the UPEIDA. An annual profit of ₹50 crore might be made from the sale of the generated energy. The installation of solar power plants on the expressways connecting Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Agra-Lucknow, and Gorakhpur could result in an annual reduction of ₹6 crore in energy usage for UPEIDA.
The building of solar power plants is greatly facilitated by the Bundelkhand Expressway. The ease of access to land in this area is the main cause. It is also a dry zone, or arid environment, with an average annual rainfall of about 800-900 mm in addition to clear skies. Among the more contemporary and well-equipped expressways is the Bundelkhand Expressway.
The main carriageway and the service lane make up the two sections of this four-lane, 296 km-long expressway. There is now a vacant stretch of land between these two that is used to divide agricultural land and erect fencing. It is roughly 15 to 20 metres wide.
Also Read: Reach Pune To Aurangabad In Just 1.15 Hours Via Upcoming Expressway
There is now a plan to install solar panels here, which will enable the expressway as a whole to make a historic transition to a solar-powered motorway.
Cover Image Courtesy: Dr. Devender Bhardwaj/ X
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