Uttar Pradesh is moving towards energy self-reliance, with adequate electricity supply across all 75 districts and an expanded focus on renewable energy, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said in Lucknow. He was addressing Uttar Pradesh Urja Sangam 2026, organised by ASSOCHAM-India Uttar Pradesh State Development Council in association with UPNEDA and Invest UP. Pathak highlighted the state’s progress in solar adoption and the implementation of related schemes. He said the PM-KUSUM scheme was enabling farmers to use solar power for irrigation, reducing their dependence on conventional electricity. The PM Surya Ghar scheme was helping households install rooftop solar panels through subsidies, supporting energy conservation, lower electricity expenses and environmental sustainability. Solar power is providing farmers with lower irrigation costs and an additional income opportunity. The state government provides free electricity for irrigation, while farmers can install solar systems on tubewells, rooftops and unused land. Surplus electricity can then be supplied to the grid, allowing farmers to meet their own energy requirements and earn additional income. Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Adviser to the Chief Minister, said Uttar Pradesh had introduced its solar energy policy in September 2022 to expand clean-energy generation and encourage investment. He said the state ranked first nationally in solar panel installations and fifth in solar energy capacity. Uttar Pradesh also has approximately 45 to 50 operational compressed biogas (CBG) plants, reflecting the growth of its clean-energy ecosystem. The programme included sessions on electrolyser manufacturing, green hydrogen technologies, solar energy manufacturing, floating solar projects and project execution. Participants also discussed the PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM schemes, measures to improve ease of doing business and faster approval processes for clean-energy projects. Officials and industry representatives said investment in clean energy, modern power infrastructure and greater farmer participation were supporting industrial growth, employment and sustainable development in the state.