Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy 2022

• 19 Nov 2022

Why In News?

• On November 18, 2022, Uttarakhand's Energy Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram has sought suggestions while releasing the draft of Uttarakhand Solar Energy Policy-2022.

Key Points

• R. Meenakshi Sundaram informed that the state has a potential of up to 2000 MW in the field of solar energy. In this, a capacity of 600 MW has been estimated for large projects, 250 MW for residential projects, 750 MW for commercial and industrial projects, 350 MW for institutions and 50 MW for agriculture.
• In the Uttarakhand Solar Policy-2022, provision has been made that UPCL will prepare a green tariff proposal for solar energy, which will be sent to the Regulatory Commission. The regulatory commission may give an option to the consumers to opt for green tariff. Apart from this, feed-in tariff can encourage solar energy providers in the grid during peak hours. Virtual Net Metering (VNM) and Group Net Metering (GNM) can be used for easy access and monitoring.
• The responsibilities of UREDA have also been increased in the new policy. Under this, UREDA will have to set up a solar policy cell, under which solar projects will be passed through a single window. A fee of Rs 10,000 per MW will be payable for its application.
• UREDA will also have to make a land bank. A list of all government lands and buildings will have to be made where solar power projects can be set up. Similarly, such private lands will also have to be marked on which a private person can set up his project on lease.
• There will be 100 percent exemption in stamp duty on lease deed of land or purchase of land. 100 percent exemption will be given on the fee for change of land use for setting up a solar plant on private agricultural land. Court fees will be completely waived in the papers of registration or lease. 50 percent discount will be given in the lease price to the persons who set up solar powered EV charging stations on government land.
• Employment of local youth has also been guaranteed in the new policy. It has been told that whoever will set up his solar project by taking government land on lease, he will have to give employment to 70 percent of the local youth. UREDA will issue this condition in its tender.
• State Level Screening and Empowered Committee (SLSC) will be constituted under the chairmanship of Energy Secretary for allotment of solar power plants up to 25 MW. State Level Energy Committee (SLEC) will be constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to remove the problems arising out of the approval of the project, to make any kind of amendment in the policy. It will have eight members including the Energy Secretary. Uttarakhand Solar Power Land Allotment Committee (USPLAC) will also be formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to take decisions on land related matters. It will have four members including the Energy Secretary.