Ayodhya emerging as Uttar Pradesh's first Model Solar City, with 18 more solar cities under development., Pg17

Key Highlights:

• Ayodhya is emerging as Uttar Pradesh's first Model Solar City.
• The city's solar infrastructure includes a 40 MW solar project.
• It features over 7,900 solar street lights, 325 high-masts, and 58 solar trees.
• Solar kiosks, solar boats, and a 6-ton solar cold storage unit have been implemented.
• This initiative is a key component of the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022.
• 18 more cities in Uttar Pradesh are slated for similar solar city development.

Detailed Insights:

• The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Department Agency (UPNEDA) is spearheading Ayodhya's transformation into a solar city.
• The 40 MW solar power plant, constructed by NTPC Green Energy, is spread over 165 acres near the Saryu River.
• Ayodhya has surpassed the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022 target of a 10% reduction in conventional energy demand, achieving double the required capacity.
• The initiative integrates solar energy across various sectors, including public transport, government facilities, and communal spaces.
• The 5-year project (2023-2028) aims to serve as a blueprint for future sustainable urban development across the state.
• The broader Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022 targets 22,000 MW of solar power projects by 2026-27 and includes developing 20 cities as 'solar cities'.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has a national "Development of Solar Cities" program, supporting urban local bodies to adopt renewable energy technologies.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Model Solar City: An urban area primarily powered by renewable solar energy sources, integrating various solar applications and aiming for significant reduction in conventional energy demand.
• Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022: A state policy aiming to achieve significant solar power generation targets and promote solar cities to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Renewable Energy: Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal.
• Decentralized Energy Generation: Producing electricity close to where it is consumed, reducing transmission losses and enhancing energy security.