Uttar Pradesh Approves 20 MW Floating Solar Plant at Chilua Tal in Gorakhpur

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the installation of a 20 MW floating solar power plant, marking an important step toward expanding renewable energy in the state. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting held on Monday under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The project will be developed at Chilua Tal, a well-known water body in Gorakhpur.

Floating solar plants are becoming a popular alternative to traditional land-based solar projects. These systems are installed on water surfaces, which helps avoid the need for large land areas. This is especially useful in states like Uttar Pradesh, where land availability can be a challenge. Another advantage of floating solar panels is that they help reduce water evaporation and perform better due to the cooling effect of water, which improves efficiency.

State Energy and Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma shared details of the project after the cabinet meeting. He said that the initiative is part of the government’s larger plan to promote clean and sustainable energy across the state. The project is also in line with the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy, which aims to develop different regions as solar hubs. This policy focuses on meeting the rising electricity demand while reducing carbon emissions.

Gorakhpur, which is the home constituency of the Chief Minister, has seen several development projects in recent years. The new floating solar plant is expected to further strengthen the power supply in the region and support the growth of green energy infrastructure.

Apart from this project, the cabinet also discussed other development plans related to urban facilities and support for the agriculture sector. The government is working on increasing the share of solar power in the overall energy mix. It is also encouraging both large-scale solar projects and rooftop solar installations to achieve this goal.

The approval of the floating solar plant at Chilua Tal shows the state’s commitment to adopting innovative solutions for clean energy. By using existing water bodies for solar power generation, Uttar Pradesh is taking a step toward environmental conservation and efficient resource use. Once completed, the project will play a key role in helping the state move toward energy self-sufficiency through renewable sources.