Varanasi Hosts Key Pre-Event for Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo 2026
In a strategic move to establish Uttar Pradesh as a leading destination for clean energy investment, a pre-event awareness programme for the Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo (UPEX) 2026 was conducted at Vikas Bhawan in Varanasi on Wednesday. This initiative is spearheaded 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) and SEVA, with support from KEI Industries Ltd.
Focus on Solar Energy Schemes and Policy Framework
The programme centered on the Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme), with industry representatives and government officials engaging in detailed discussions. Topics included emerging opportunities in the solar energy sector, the existing policy landscape, and the immense potential for solar energy development across the state.
Addressing attendees, Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Varanasi, Prakhar Kumar Singh, emphasized that promoting renewable energy is absolutely essential for sustainable development. He highlighted key initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the PM-KUSUM Yojana, which are actively encouraging households, farmers, and industries to adopt solar energy, thereby enhancing energy security.
Singh revealed that under the PM Surya Yojana, 3,122 solar panels were installed in Varanasi in March alone. By March 31, the total number of installed solar panels reached 35,069, positioning Varanasi as the second-ranked district in Uttar Pradesh for solar panel installations.
UPEX 2026: A Platform for Clean Energy Advancement
Conference co-convener for UPEX 2026, Pankaj Srivastava, announced that the Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo 2026 is scheduled to take place from May 7 to 9 at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow. The three-day expo is expected to attract over 150 exhibitors and more than 60 speakers from across India and abroad.
Assistant Commissioner, DIC, Varanasi, Sarita Kumari, noted that UPEX-2026 will feature specialized segments, including:
- UP EV Expo
- UP Smart Grid Expo
- UP Storage Expo
Project Officer, Varanasi (UPNEDA), Shashi Kumar Gupta, provided detailed information on government schemes like the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ and the ‘PM-KUSUM’ scheme. He asserted that under these initiatives, Uttar Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a leading state in solar energy adoption. Gupta emphasized the need to promote solar energy at the grassroots level, stating that widespread use of renewable energy will foster rural development, improve energy access, and bolster economic stability.
Industry Insights and Future Events
Deputy Manager Sales & Marketing (BH) at KEI Industries Ltd, Varanasi, Puneet Kumar Seth, shared insights on opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Regional sales manager at Signergy, Vishal Jathar, added that the expo will serve as a crucial platform to strengthen the solar energy ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh and raise awareness about various government schemes.
Lead District Manager (LDM) at Union Bank of India, Avinash Agarwal, highlighted that all nationalized banks offer easily accessible credit facilities for implementing the ‘PM Surya Ghar’ scheme and installing other solar power plants.
Resident Officer (UP State Chapter) of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, Shailendra Srivastava, stated that the primary objective of UPEX 2026 is to position Uttar Pradesh as a premier destination for clean energy investment. The expo will showcase the latest technologies in:
- Rooftop solar
- Large-scale solar projects
- Commercial and Industrial (C&I) solutions
- Electric vehicles
- Smart grids
- Energy storage
Srivastava added that awareness programmes are being organized statewide in conjunction with the expo, with upcoming events scheduled in Gorakhpur on April 17 and in Lucknow on April 24.
