PM, Macron launch 75-MW solar plant

VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday inaugurated a 75 MW solar power plant, the biggest in Uttar Pradesh, at Dadar Kala village in Mirzapur district.

Tushar Malik, project manager of French company Engie which has set up the facility, said over phone that the solar power plant had been set up with an estimated cost of ₹650 crore.

“This is the biggest solar power plant in Uttar Pradesh. It will generate 75 MW alternating current (AC) and 101 megawatt direct current (DC). The plant will benefit around 1 lakh families in the region,” he said.

Officials at the plant said about 1,18,600 solar panels had been set up in the over 380-acre area. “Power will be transmitted to Jigna sub-station of Mirzapur range of UP Power Corporation Ltd,” they said.

PM Narendra Modi, UP governor Ram Naik and chief minister Yogi Adityanath received Macron and his wife Brigitte at Lal Bahadur Shastri international airport in Varanasi.

In Mirzapur, Modi and Macron pressed a button to energise the solar panels and dedicate the solar power plant to the people.

Thanking the people of Varanasi for extending a grand welcome to the visiting dignitary, the PM said: “Millions of thanks to the people of Kashi and heartiest greetings to them for giving such a grand welcome to French President Emmanuel Macron.”