Planning and management of renewable and non-renewable energy resources of UP

Introduction

Planning and managing energy resources in Uttar Pradesh (UP) is a tough job due to its large population, varied geography, and rising energy needs. UP has made progress in renewable energy and aims to be more efficient with non-renewable resources. The state faces climate challenges with limited non-renewable energy. The government acknowledges the need for a sustainable energy shift, setting ambitious renewable energy goals and taking steps to boost renewable projects. In essence, UP is working to meet its energy demands while being mindful of the environment and future sustainability.

Renewable & Non-Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

In Uttar Pradesh (UP), there’s a lot of potential for clean energy like solar, wind, and biomass. They’re encouraging solar energy by giving subsidies for rooftop solar panels and creating big solar power parks.

UP is a big farming area, and they can use leftover plant material (biomass) from farming to make electricity. The government is pushing for more biomass power plants and even made a special agency for it.

There are also some small water-powered electricity plants in UP, and they’re looking into using heat from the Earth (geothermal energy).

Non-Renewable Energy

The main non-clean energy source in UP is coal. They have several coal power plants and plan to build more to keep up with the growing need for power. But, they’re also working to make their coal plants more efficient and less harmful to the environment.

UP also produces natural gas and is building better ways to use it. They’re even thinking about getting natural gas from shale rocks.

Planning & Management

Planning

Planning for energy resources in Uttar Pradesh (UP) involves several agencies like UPPCL, UPNEDA, and UPSERC. UPPCL manages the state’s electricity infrastructure, UPNEDA promotes renewable energy, and UPSERC regulates the electricity market.

This planning process is quite complex and includes:

1. Predicting Demand: UPPCL estimates how much electricity UP will need in the future based on things like economic and population growth.
2. Evaluating Resources: UPNEDA checks how much renewable energy UP can use, like solar, wind, biomass, and small hydro.
3. Cost-Effective Choices: UPNEDA looks at the costs and benefits of different renewable energy options to find the best ones.
4. Grid Integration: UPNEDA and UPPCL work together to make sure renewable energy projects can connect to UP’s electricity grid.

So, these agencies work together to plan how UP can meet its energy needs efficiently and sustainably.

The UP government has also developed a number of plans and policies to guide the development and management of its energy sector. For eg. the UP solar energy policy, 2022.

The Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy – 2022 Objective : The Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy – 2022 aims to provide affordable and reliable power to the people while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Solar Power Target : The policy targets achieving 22,000 MW of Solar Power Projects by 2026-27. Solar Projects : UP will develop solar projects for its own use and for selling power to entities other than the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd, both within and outside the state. Solar Parks : Solar parks will be developed to support solar power generation. Green Energy Corridor : A corridor in the Bundelkhand Region will facilitate the evacuation of power from 4,000 MW solar projects, with potential capacity enhancements through private investment. Incentives : The policy offers incentives like 100% exemption on stamp duty for land used for solar power plants, 100% exemption in electricity duty for 10 years, and subsidies for utility-scale solar systems with battery storage. Training : Around 30,000 youth will be trained as “Surya Mitra” at UPNEDA training centers over the next 5 years. Solar Rooftops : Residential solar rooftop installations will be encouraged, with a goal to cover about 13.50 lakh houses with solar rooftop power plants. Model Solar City : Ayodhya will be the pilot model solar city, followed by the development of 16 other Nagar Nigam cities as Solar Cities. Agriculture and Government : Solarisation of segregated agriculture feeders, grid-connected private tube wells, and solar rooftop installations on government buildings, schools, colleges, technical institutions, and universities across the state will be promoted in phases.

UP State Bio Energy Policy, 2022 The Government of Uttar Pradesh introduced a policy in September 2022 to encourage the establishment of Compressed Biogas Plants, Bio Diesel production plants, and Bio Coal production plants using Bioenergy waste. Here are the key incentives: Setting up a Compressed Biogas (CBG) Production Plant can get you an incentive of up to Rs 75 lakh per tonne, with a maximum of Rs 20 Crore. Establishing a Bio-Coal Production Plant can earn you an incentive of up to Rs 75,000 per tonne, again with a maximum of Rs 20 Crore. For a Bio Diesel Production Plant, you can receive an incentive of up to Rs 3 lakh, with the same maximum of Rs 20 Crore. There’s a state subsidy of 30% of the cost, up to a maximum of Rs 20 lakhs, for getting equipment like Boiler Recker and trolleys. This is in addition to the 50% subsidy available from the Central Government for agricultural mechanisation. You can also receive financial support as an infrastructure subsidy for building up to 5 kilometres of Approach road, with a maximum investment of Rs 50 Crore. Development charges imposed by development authorities will be exempted. There’s a 100% exemption on stamp duty and electricity duty. Government-owned land can be leased for just Rs 1 per acre per year for setting up Bio Energy facilities and storing feedstocks. You’ll get permission under change in land use and Land Ceiling Act automatically.

Management

Managing energy resources in Uttar Pradesh (UP) involves various agencies like UPPCL, UPNEDA, and UPPTCL. UPPCL takes care of running and maintaining electricity generation and transmission. UPNEDA offers support to renewable energy projects, while UPPTCL handles the transmission of electricity from power plants to distribution companies.

This management process faces challenges:

• Intermittency: Renewable sources like solar and wind don’t produce electricity all the time, making it tricky to ensure a steady power supply.
• Infrastructure Needs: UP must invest in new infrastructure, like transmission lines and storage, to support renewable energy development.
• Subsidies: Government subsidies make non-renewable sources like coal and gas more competitive, affecting the growth of renewables.

So, managing energy in UP is complex, but these agencies work on solutions to provide reliable and sustainable power.

Budget Allocation In the UP budget for 2023-24, there is a proposed allocation of ₹317 crore for the UP Solar Energy Policy 2022 and ₹45 crore for the UP State Bio Energy Policy 2022.

Challenges

Uttar Pradesh (UP) has several energy challenges to deal with:

1. Meeting More Power Needs : UP has to provide enough electricity for its growing population and industries.
2. Finding a Balance : It’s important to offer affordable energy while also reducing pollution that causes climate change.
3. Getting Investments : UP needs to encourage companies to invest in clean energy projects.
4. Better Infrastructure : UP must build and upgrade the systems that carry electricity to homes and businesses.
5. Reliable Clean Energy : It’s vital to make sure that the green energy UP produces is of good quality and doesn’t have interruptions.

Way forward

Uttar Pradesh (UP) has made progress in clean energy, but there’s more to do. To meet the state’s growing energy needs and use less non-clean energy, UP’s government should :

1. Keep investing in clean energy and make it attractive for businesses too.
2. Improve how electricity is carried and make sure clean energy is dependable.
3. Tell people why clean energy is essential and how to save energy.

UP has the chance to be a leader in clean energy and meet its energy needs the right way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing energy resources in Uttar Pradesh (UP) is tough, but the government is working on it. UP faces challenges, but the government is taking steps to boost clean energy.

To succeed, the government needs to keep investing in clean energy and create policies that support a greener future.

Please click on the link for – Power Resources in Uttar Pradesh