Introduction

Keeping in mind the increasing energy demand and the need for environmental protection in India, many efforts are being made to adopt renewable energy sources. In this regard, the Uttar Pradesh government implemented the Solar Energy Policy 2022 in the year 2022, a major part of which is the Solar City Program. The objective of this policy is to increase the share of solar energy in urban areas and make them self-reliant in the field of energy.

Definition of Solar City

According to the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy-2022, a " Solar City " is an urban area where at least 10% of the total electric load is met by renewable energy such as solar energy, reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. This concept is an attempt to move cities towards environmentally clean, energy efficient and sustainable development.

Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh's first model Solar City

Ayodhya city is being developed as the first model solar city of Uttar Pradesh. Many schemes and projects are being run under this

• • Solar Power Plant of 40 MW capacity has been set up on the banks of River Saryu, commissioning of which has been completed by NTPC.
• • The work of connecting urban buildings, government institutions, street lights and water supply systems with solar panels is progressing rapidly.
• • Ayodhya as a Solar City aims to ensure energy self-sufficiency as well as environmental protection.

Under this scheme, the work of setting up the following plants has been completed by Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) in the last few years till now