National Highway now only transportation Highways will not remain, but will be developed as centers of clean energy production (National Highway Solar Project). The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing to install solar power plants on a national highway for the first time in the country. This ambitious pilot project will be started on the Delhi-Saharanpur National Highway. NHAI will tie up with Solar Energy Corporation of India for technical support. If the project is successful, it will also be implemented on other national highways of the country.

This National Highway (Bharatmala Project) is built under Bharatmala Project. The 14.5 km stretch of NH-09 from Akshardham Temple to Loni border in Delhi border is completely ready, of which 6.5 km is elevated. Under the pilot project, a four megawatt capacity solar power plant (Solar Energy Plant on Highway) will be established on this section. Solar panels will be installed on the sides of the highway and the side walls of the elevated portion. Economic and feasibility study of the project has already been completed.

The power generated from the plant will be sold through the grid, providing a source of additional income to NHAI (Renewable Energy Revenue Model). This electricity will help fund highway maintenance and future projects. Also, this initiative will prove to be a big step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy initiative.

According to NHAI officials, if this pilot project is successful then it will be extended to the remaining stretches of the 239 km long Delhi-Saharanpur National Highway. With this, power generation of 32 to 38 MW will be possible. This step will not only prove to be a milestone towards energy independence (Energy Independence through Solar Highway) but will also establish a unique combination of road infrastructure and environmental protection.

Cost of Rs 4 crore per MW

The cost of setting up a solar power plant is estimated at Rs 4 crore per MW. According to officials, the four MW plant will cost around Rs 16 crore. This cost can be recovered from the sale of electricity within five to six years.

New model on 1.46 lakh kilometer national highways of the country

The network of National Highways (Indian Highway Network) in the country is 1.46 lakh kilometers long. Experts believe that this project will play a historic role in accelerating the Prime Minister’s Green Energy & Net Zero Emission Policy. Through this project, the country will move in a new direction of sustainable development with clean energy production.