VARANASI: Taking a significant step towards establishing Uttar Pradesh as a premier hub for clean energy investment, a pre-event awareness programme for the Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo (UPEX) 2026 was organised at Vikas Bhawan in Varanasi on Wednesday.The initiative is being organised by the UP State Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and First View, in collaboration with UP NEDA (Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency) and SEVA, with the support of KEI Industries Ltd.The primary focus of the programme was the Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme). Industry representatives and govt officials engaged in deliberations regarding emerging opportunities within the solar energy sector, the existing policy framework and the growing potential for solar energy development in the state.Addressing the gathering, Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Varanasi Prakhar Kumar Singh said that promoting renewable energy is absolutely essential for the sustainable development.He highlighted that key initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the PM-KUSUM Yojana are actively encouraging households, farmers and industries to adopt solar energy, thereby bolstering energy security.Under the PM Surya Yojana, 3,122 solar panels were installed in Varanasi in March alone and by March 31, the total number of installed solar panels reached 35,069, positioning Varanasi as the second-ranked district in the state in terms of solar panel installations, he said.Conference co-convener for UPEX 2026 Pankaj Srivastava said that the UP Energy Expo 2026 is scheduled to be held from May 7 to 9 at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow. More than 150 exhibitors and over 60 speakers from across the country and abroad are expected to take part in this three-day expo.Assistant Commissioner, DIC, Varanasi Sarita Kumari said that UPEx-2026 will feature specialised segments such as the UP EV Expo, UP Smart Grid Expo and UP Storage Expo.Highlighting various govt schemes, Project Officer, Varanasi (UPNEDA), Shashi Kumar Gupta provided detailed information regarding the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ (Free Electricity Scheme) and the ‘PM-KUSUM’ scheme. He asserted that, under the aegis of these initiatives, Uttar Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a leading state in the adoption of solar energy.He emphasised the imperative need to promote solar energy at the grassroots level and said that the widespread utilisation of renewable energy, facilitated through govt schemes, will play a pivotal role in fostering rural development, enhancing energy access and bolstering economic stability.Deputy Manager Sales & Marketing (BH) at KEI Industries Ltd, Varanasi Puneet Kumar Seth also shared his insights on opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Regional sales manager at Signergy Vishal Jathar said that the expo would prove to be a crucial platform for strengthening the solar energy ecosystem within the state, while also serving to heighten awareness regarding various govt schemes.Lead District Manager (LDM) at Union Bank of India Avinash Agarwal said that all nationalised banks offer easily accessible credit facilities for the implementation of the ‘PM Surya Ghar’ scheme and the installation of other solar power plants.Resident Officer (UP State Chapter) of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, Shailendra Srivastava, said that the primary objective of UPEx 2026 is to position the state as a premier destination for clean energy investment. The expo will showcase the latest technologies related to rooftop solar, large-scale solar projects, Commercial and Industrial (C&I) solutions, electric vehicles, smart grids and energy storage, he said, adding that awareness programmes are being organised across the state in conjunction with the expo, with upcoming events scheduled to be held in Gorakhpur on April 17 and in Lucknow on April 24.
