Uttar Pradesh is set to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure with the approval of a 20 MW floating solar power plant at Chilua Tal in Gorakhpur. The project forms part of the state’s broader push towards clean energy adoption and will play a key role in Gorakhpur’s ambition of becoming a designated Solar City.
The proposal has been approved by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, with state-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) selected to implement the project. Once operational, the plant is expected to contribute significantly to the city’s renewable energy generation capacity while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
Floating Solar Plant To Be Built On Chilua Tal
The 20 MW floating solar project will be developed on approximately 80 acres of water surface at Chilua Tal in Gorakhpur’s Sadar tehsil. Unlike conventional solar parks that require large tracts of land, floating solar plants are installed on water bodies, helping conserve valuable land resources while generating clean electricity.
The project will be located near the Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL) fertiliser plant. Land from the tourism department, revenue department, and HURL will be utilised for the development, with a portion of government-owned land being allocated free of cost to Coal India Limited.
Significant Green Energy Generation Expected
Officials estimate that the floating solar plant will generate more than 33 million units of green electricity annually. The power produced will be supplied directly to the grid, helping meet local energy demand while supporting the state’s renewable energy targets.
Floating solar technology also offers efficiency advantages. The cooling effect of water helps keep solar panels at lower temperatures, which can improve energy generation efficiency compared to traditional ground-mounted solar installations. Additionally, the panels help reduce water evaporation from the reservoir surface.
Part Of Gorakhpur’s Solar City Mission
The project aligns with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Solar City initiative. Under the programme, Gorakhpur aims to meet at least 10% of its projected energy demand through renewable energy and energy-efficiency measures.
The floating solar plant is expected to become a major contributor towards achieving this target while strengthening Gorakhpur’s position as a growing hub for clean energy investments.
Uttar Pradesh Expands Renewable Energy Footprint
The Chilua Tal project will become one of Uttar Pradesh’s major floating solar installations and reflects the state’s growing focus on renewable energy development. With solar capacity expanding rapidly across the state, projects such as this are expected to play an important role in meeting future electricity demand while supporting India’s clean energy goals.
Summary
Gorakhpur is set to receive a 20 MW floating solar power plant at Chilua Tal as part of its Solar City mission. The project, to be implemented by Coal India Limited, will generate over 33 million units of clean electricity annually. Built on a water body rather than land, the plant will support Uttar Pradesh’s renewable energy ambitions while helping reduce dependence on conventional power sources.
