Dehradun: Uttarakhand has secured the second position among special category states in the national assessment of renewable energy development conducted by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The state received the recognition under the ministry’s Renewable Energy State Assessment Framework (RE-SAF), which evaluates the performance of states and Union Territories across multiple aspects of renewable energy development.
The achievement was communicated by MNRE Secretary Santosh Sarangi through a letter dated October 31, 2026, addressed to Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. The ministry acknowledged the state’s continued efforts to develop an enabling environment for renewable energy expansion.
Uttarakhand will be felicitated by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan during the valedictory session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 on November 5 in New Delhi.
What Is the Renewable Energy State Assessment Framework?
The Renewable Energy State Assessment Framework has been developed by MNRE to evaluate how effectively states and Union Territories are progressing in the renewable energy sector.
Unlike an assessment based solely on installed renewable energy capacity, the framework considers several policy, infrastructure and investment-related parameters.
The key assessment indicators include:
- Renewable energy capacity addition: Progress made by states in expanding renewable energy generation capacity.
- Policy and regulatory framework: Measures adopted to support renewable energy development and project implementation.
- Grid readiness: The ability of electricity networks to accommodate and integrate renewable energy.
- DISCOM performance: The performance of power distribution companies in supporting the renewable energy ecosystem.
- Investment climate: The extent to which states provide an enabling environment for renewable energy investments.
The framework seeks to recognise better-performing states, encourage healthy competition and promote the adoption of effective practices to accelerate clean energy deployment.
Solar and Hydropower Among Uttarakhand’s Focus Areas
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the second-place ranking reflected the state’s sustained efforts towards renewable energy development and environmental conservation.
He highlighted Uttarakhand’s natural resource potential and said the state government was focusing on expanding the use of different renewable energy sources.
The key areas being prioritised include:
- Solar energy
- Hydropower
- Small hydropower projects
- Other renewable energy sources
According to the Chief Minister, the objective is to use clean energy not only to support environmental conservation but also to meet the state’s energy requirements, create employment opportunities at the local level and promote economic development.
Dhami Links State’s Achievement to India’s 500 GW Clean Energy Target
Dhami said India was making progress towards clean energy, energy self-reliance and sustainable development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He referred to the national target of achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, stating that Uttarakhand was contributing to this broader national commitment.
The Chief Minister added that the recognition would encourage the state government to intensify its renewable energy initiatives and explore innovative approaches for expanding clean energy.
Uttarakhand to Receive Recognition at Bharat RE Summit on November 5
The state is scheduled to receive the national recognition during the concluding session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan will felicitate Uttarakhand for its performance under the RE-SAF assessment.
The four-day Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo is being held from November 2 to 5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event brings together policymakers, investors, industry representatives and international participants to discuss renewable energy development, investment and technology partnerships.
Uttarakhand’s second-place ranking among special category states adds to the state’s recognition in the renewable energy sector and is expected to encourage further efforts towards clean energy expansion.
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