Lucknow, India – September 18 2025
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, is intensifying its efforts to meet an ambitious renewable energy goal of 22,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power by 2026–27. In a significant step toward this vision, a three-day capacity-building workshop was recently held in Lucknow, bringing together 17 communicators along with experts from Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), Vasudha Foundation, the Just Transition Research Centre at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, and the social impact organization Purpose.
The workshop highlighted the role of renewable technologies such as rooftop solar, biofuels, and agri-photovoltaic systems in enabling a sustainable energy future. Participants engaged in discussions on the challenges and opportunities of a just energy transition, emphasizing how the shift to clean energy must also protect livelihoods and ensure equity.
As part of the training, participants visited a compressed biogas (CBG) plant in Barabanki, which showcased how agricultural residues can be transformed into clean fuel, reducing dependence on fossil energy while cutting emissions. They also toured an NTPC solar park near Ayodhya, which demonstrated the potential of large-scale solar projects in advancing India’s climate and development goals.
Experts underscored that while Uttar Pradesh has made progress in expanding renewable energy infrastructure, challenges remain in terms of financing, land availability, and ensuring that local communities benefit from the transition. The workshop sought to bridge these gaps by equipping communicators with knowledge and strategies to effectively share stories of clean energy innovation.
With the state’s 22,000 MW solar target fast approaching, initiatives like these are expected to play a critical role in shaping public understanding and building momentum for a greener, more resilient future.
