Uttarakhand achieves 1 GW solar energy capacity boosting green energy push and local jobs | India News

Uttarakhand has crossed a major renewable energy milestone, crossing 1 gigawatt (GW) of installed solar power. The state’s total installed solar capacity now stands at over 1,027.87 MW, indicating a growing push towards clean and sustainable energy.Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the achievement reflects the Centre’s policy focus on renewable energy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, the view of the Prime Minister Self-reliant India And the emphasis on green energy encouraged states like Uttarakhand to turn solar energy into a people-driven movement.According to Dhami, coordinated implementation of central schemes and state-led initiatives have also opened up self-employment opportunities for youth and local entrepreneurs. He expressed confidence that Uttarakhand will further consolidate its position among India’s leading solar energy states in the coming years.The milestone was achieved through a mix of grid-connected rooftop solar projects, ground-mounted plants, installations in government buildings, solar pumps for agriculture and solar projects for domestic, commercial and industrial customers.Of the total installed capacity, about 397 MW came from ground-mounted projects, 241 MW from rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, 137 MW under the CM Solar Self-Employment scheme, 110 MW through commercial net metering, 51 MW from captive and 51 MW from plants. project, and 26 MW from solar installations on government buildings.Also, over 100 MW is currently being installed under the CM Solar Self-Employment Scheme, including 30 MW from captive solar plants and 13.5 MW on government buildings. These efforts have contributed to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy independence and creating local employment.Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) has been instrumental in driving solar adoption across the state by implementing projects, providing technical assistance, raising awareness and extending solar solutions to remote and hilly areas.Officials say supportive policies, subsidies, simplified approval processes and incentives for private investment have helped accelerate solar growth. The state government has set further targets to expand solar capacity, deepen outreach to remote areas and increase people’s participation as part of its long-term sustainability goals.