Uttarakhand Crosses Historic 1 Gigawatt Solar Energy Milestone

Uttarakhand has achieved over 1,000 MW of installed solar capacity, reaching 1,027.87 MW. The milestone results from rooftop and ground-mounted projects, government schemes and proactive agency support, underlining the state’s commitment to clean energy, job creation, and energy security.

Uttarakhand has achieved a major milestone in the renewable energy sector by surpassing 1 gigawatt (1000 megawatts) of installed solar power capacity. As per the latest official figures, the state's total installed solar capacity has reached approximately 1,027.87 megawatts, underlining its strong commitment to clean and green energy.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that crossing the 1 GW mark is a significant achievement for the state and reflects its growing focus on sustainable development. He noted that the renewable energy vision and policy direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have played a key role in accelerating solar adoption across the country.

The Chief Minister said the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and green energy has encouraged Uttarakhand to transform solar energy into a people-centric movement. Through effective coordination between Central Government schemes and proactive state initiatives, thousands of youth and local entrepreneurs have gained new avenues for self-employment. He expressed confidence that Uttarakhand will further strengthen its position among the leading solar energy states in India.

The milestone has been achieved through multiple schemes and initiatives, including:

* Grid-connected rooftop solar projects
* Ground-mounted solar plants
* Solar installations on government buildings
* Solar pumps for the agricultural sector
* Solar schemes for domestic consumers
* Commercial and industrial solar installations

The total installed solar capacity in the state includes:

* 397 MW from ground-mounted solar projects
* 241 MW under rooftop solar power plants (PM Surya Ghar scheme)
* 137 MW under the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme
* 110 MW under commercial net metering
* 51 MW from captive solar power plants
* 37 MW from canal-top and canal-bank solar projects
* 26 MW installed on government buildings

In addition, more than 100 MW capacity is currently being installed under the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme, along with 30 MW under captive solar projects and 13.5 MW on government buildings.

These initiatives have significantly enhanced clean energy generation, reduced carbon emissions, strengthened energy self-reliance, and promoted local employment opportunities.

Key Role of UREDA

The achievement has been strongly supported by the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA). The agency has played a leading role in implementing solar projects across the state, raising awareness, offering technical guidance, and ensuring the effective execution of various government schemes. Special efforts to deliver solar solutions in remote and mountainous regions have been instrumental in reaching this milestone.

Policy Support and Future Goals

Supportive policy frameworks, subsidy provisions, simplified approval processes, and incentives for private investment have contributed significantly to the rapid expansion of solar energy in the state. Uttarakhand is steadily emerging as one of India's leading solar energy states.

The government has set ambitious targets to further increase solar capacity, expand solar access in remote areas, and enhance public participation. The 1 GW milestone marks a decisive step toward sustainable development, environmental protection, and long-term energy security in Uttarakhand.