**Over 35,000 Homes in Varanasi Now Lit Up by Solar Energy**
**UPEX 2026 to be Held from May 7–9 in Lucknow**
Varanasi, April 8 (Wednesday): Taking a significant step towards establishing Uttar Pradesh as a premier hub for clean energy investment, a pre-event awareness program for the Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo (UPEX) 2026 was organized today, Wednesday, at Vikas Bhawan in Varanasi.
This initiative is being organized 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)—an agency of the Government of Uttar Pradesh,
and SEVA, with the support of Sigenergy India,
KEI Industries Ltd,
Aerem , SALASAR TECHNO ENGINEERING LIMITED,Phintex India and Invest UP.
The primary focus of the program was the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ (PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme). Industry representatives and government officials participated in the event, engaging in deliberations regarding emerging opportunities within the solar energy sector, the existing policy framework, and the growing potential for solar energy development within the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Varanasi stated that promoting renewable energy is absolutely essential for the sustainable development of the state. He highlighted that key initiatives—such as the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the PM-KUSUM Yojana—are actively encouraging households, farmers, and industries to adopt solar energy, thereby bolstering energy security. He further noted that under the PM Surya Yojana, 3,122 solar panels were installed in Varanasi during the month of March alone; by March 31, the total number of installed solar panels had reached 35,069, positioning Varanasi as the second-ranked district in the state in terms of solar panel installations.
Welcoming the participants, Pankaj Srivastava—Conference Co-convener for UPEX 2026—announced that the Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo 2026 is scheduled to be held from May 7 to May 9, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow. He stated that over 150 exhibitors and more than 60 speakers from both India and abroad will participate in this three-day expo, engaging in discussions on technology, policy, and investment opportunities across 10 thematic sessions.
Sarita Kumari, Assistant Commissioner, DIC, Varanasi, remarked that solar energy is emerging as an effective alternative to traditional energy sources. She further noted that UP Ex 2026 will feature specialized segments such as the UP EV Expo, UP Smart Grid Expo, and UP Storage Expo.
Highlighting various government schemes, Shashi Kumar Gupta, Project Officer, Varanasi (UPNEDA), 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 emphasized the imperative need to promote solar energy at the grassroots level. He added that the widespread utilization of renewable energy—facilitated through government schemes—will play a pivotal role in fostering rural development, enhancing energy access, and bolstering economic stability.
Speaking on the occasion, Puneet Kumar Seth, Deputy Manager—Sales & Marketing (BH) at KEI Industries Ltd., Varanasi, also shared his insights regarding the burgeoning opportunities within the renewable energy sector.
Vishal Jathar, Regional Sales Manager at Sigenergy India, stated that this 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 government schemes.
Avinash Agarwal, Lead District Manager (LDM) at Union Bank of India, highlighted the unwavering commitment of both the Central and State governments toward promoting solar energy. He noted that all nationalized banks offer easily accessible credit facilities for the implementation of the ‘PM Surya Ghar’ scheme and the installation of other solar power plants—facilities that are further bolstered by government-provided subsidies.
Delivering the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event, Shailendra Srivastava, Resident Officer (UP State Chapter) of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, stated that the primary objective of UP Ex 2026 is to position Uttar Pradesh as a premier destination for clean energy investment. He stated that 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 further informed that awareness programs are being organized across the entire state in conjunction with the expo, with upcoming events scheduled to be held in Gorakhpur on April 17 and in Lucknow on April 24.
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