“Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi Solar Park, a 600 MW ultra-mega solar project, is nearing completion in Garautha, aiming to transform Bundelkhand into a solar hub. Spanning 2,700 acres, it will generate 1,400 million units of electricity annually, creating jobs and ensuring grid stability. The project, led by TUSCO Ltd., is set to be commissioned by December 2025.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Ambitious Solar Leap in Jhansi
In a significant stride toward sustainable energy, the Jhansi Solar Park, a 600 MW ultra-mega solar power project, is taking shape in Uttar Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region. Located in Garautha tehsil, the project is being developed by TUSCO Ltd., a joint venture between state-owned THDC India Ltd. and the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), with an equity ratio of 74:26. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 19, 2021, marking a pivotal moment for the region’s renewable energy ambitions.
Spanning approximately 2,700 acres across eight villages—Sujanpura, Jalalpura, Jaswantpura, Nadaura, Bararu, Pura, Khadaura, and Moti Katra—the solar park is being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3,430 crore. Of this, ₹313.18 crore is allocated for infrastructure development, while ₹2,700 crore is dedicated to setting up solar units. The project operates under the Centre’s Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPP) scheme, designed to facilitate solar projects in a plug-and-play model, streamlining development and connectivity to the grid.
The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL) will procure the electricity generated, which is expected to produce 1,400 million units annually, sufficient to power around 500,000 households. The project benefits from central financial assistance of ₹20 lakh per MW or 30% of the project cost, whichever is lower, ensuring cost-effective development of internal infrastructure, including transmission systems.
Jhansi’s strategic advantage lies in its abundant sunlight and minimal dust-related maintenance issues compared to Rajasthan, which, despite higher solar radiation, faces challenges from frequent dust storms. Government studies rank Jhansi as the second-highest recipient of solar radiation in India, making it an ideal location for solar energy production.
The project has made significant progress, with 96% of the required land—263.77 acres of government land and 2,328.67 acres of private land—acquired on a 30-year lease basis, ensuring minimal disruption to local farmers. Fencing of 45 km has been completed, and the internal power evacuation system, including two 33/220 kV substations and associated transmission lines, is under construction by the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL). Additionally, a 220/400 kV grid substation at Garautha is being developed by UPPTCL, with work awarded to M/s KPTL Noida.
Beyond electricity generation, the Jhansi Solar Park is poised to create significant economic opportunities. It is expected to generate employment for 210 skilled and 4,850 unskilled workers, boosting the local economy in the economically backward Bundelkhand region. The project aligns with the Yogi Adityanath government’s vision to establish Jhansi, Lalitpur, and Chitrakoot as solar energy hubs, with plans for additional solar parks of 600 MW in Lalitpur and 800 MW in Chitrakoot, collectively aiming to produce 2,000 MW under the UMREPP scheme.
In a recent development, UPNEDA floated a tender in March 2024 to select solar project developers for the Jhansi Solar Park, with bids accepted until May 8, 2024. This move underscores the state’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy adoption. The project’s completion, targeted for December 2025, could occur ahead of schedule, given the rapid progress reported by local authorities.
Jhansi’s emergence as a solar hub is further bolstered by interest from private players. Greenko Energies Private Limited has submitted a letter of intent to invest ₹70,000 crore in a new solar park in the region, with plans to lease land from farmers, ensuring sustainable land use. Other companies, including Fourth Partner (100 MW in Babina) and M Plus Solar (50 MW in Jhansi), are also contributing to the region’s growing solar ecosystem.
The Jhansi Solar Park is a cornerstone of Uttar Pradesh’s broader renewable energy strategy, which includes a green energy corridor to generate 4,000 MW of solar power in Bundelkhand by 2025. With an investment of ₹1,554 crore allocated in the state’s budget for grid network development in collaboration with the central government and German company KfW, the region is set to become a powerhouse of clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing grid stability.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from reputable news outlets, government statements, and industry reports, including SolarQuarter, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, and UPNEDA’s official website. Data is accurate as of the latest available updates, but project timelines and costs may be subject to change. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources for the most current information.