NTPC Green Energy's Historic 60 GW MoU with Uttar Pradesh: Powering India's Green Revolution from Davos

• Published
• By Anupam Nath

Introduction to the Landmark Agreement

In a major boost to India's clean energy ambitions, NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of India's largest power producer NTPC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Uttar Pradesh. This historic deal was formalized on January 22, 2026, on the sidelines of the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The MoU focuses on developing large-scale renewable energy (RE) projects and green hydrogen initiatives across Uttar Pradesh, aligning with India's net-zero goals and accelerating the transition to sustainable power sources.

Key Details of the MoU

The agreement was signed by Vijay Kiran Anand, IAS, CEO of Invest UP and UPSIDA, on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, and DMR Panda, Executive Director of NTPC Green Energy, in the presence of Uttar Pradesh's Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, Suresh Kumar Khanna, along with senior officials from both sides. While the MoU is non-financial in nature, it establishes a strong collaborative framework for joint development, implementation, and operation of renewable energy parks, solar, wind, and green hydrogen production facilities in the state. This partnership leverages NTPC's expertise in large-scale energy projects and Uttar Pradesh's vast land resources and growing energy demand.

Connection to NTPC's Ambitious 60 GW Target

A standout aspect of this MoU is its direct link to NGEL's overarching goal of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by FY 2032. This target represents a massive expansion for NTPC's green portfolio, where renewables will constitute nearly 45% of the group's overall power generation. The Uttar Pradesh collaboration is a critical step toward this milestone, enabling NGEL to invest beyond previously approved limits (up to INR 20,000 crore in certain subsidiaries and JVs) for capacity addition. By focusing on UP, NTPC aims to create dedicated renewable energy zones, potentially including hybrid solar-wind projects and integrated green hydrogen ecosystems.

Focus on Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Mix

Green hydrogen is a core pillar of the agreement. Produced using renewable electricity through electrolysis, it offers a clean alternative for hard-to-abate sectors like industry, transport, and fertilizers. Uttar Pradesh, with its industrial hubs and agricultural base, stands to benefit immensely from green hydrogen applications, such as in ammonia production or as a fuel for heavy vehicles. The MoU will promote solar and wind projects to power these hydrogen plants, creating a closed-loop sustainable system. This positions UP as a potential leader in India's emerging green hydrogen economy, supported by national missions like the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Strategic Signing at Davos – Global Spotlight

The choice of Davos for the signing underscores the international significance of this partnership. The World Economic Forum provides a global platform where leaders discuss climate action, energy transitions, and sustainable investments. By inking the deal amid world leaders, NTPC and the UP government highlighted India's commitment to green growth on an international stage. This move attracted attention from global investors, potentially unlocking further funding and technology transfers for renewable and hydrogen projects in the state.

Economic and Environmental Benefits for Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, one of India's most populous and fastest-growing states, faces rising energy needs from urbanization, industry, and agriculture. This MoU promises job creation in construction, operations, maintenance, and manufacturing related to solar panels, wind turbines, and electrolyzers. It will also reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and support decarbonization efforts. Environmentally, the projects will contribute to lower carbon emissions, biodiversity preservation through sustainable land use, and alignment with India's Paris Agreement commitments. The state could see new renewable energy parks in districts with high solar irradiation, boosting local economies.

Broader Implications for India's Energy Transition

This partnership exemplifies public-public collaboration in driving India's renewable revolution. NTPC, as a Maharatna PSU, brings technical prowess and financial muscle, while state governments provide policy support, land, and demand aggregation. Such MoUs accelerate capacity addition nationwide, helping India meet its 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030. Green hydrogen development under this deal could position India as a global exporter of clean energy carriers, enhancing energy security and reducing import dependence on fossil fuels.

Challenges and Path Forward

While promising, implementation will require addressing challenges like land acquisition, grid integration, water availability for electrolysis, and policy incentives. Both parties must ensure timely execution through clear timelines, regulatory approvals, and public-private partnerships where needed. Monitoring progress and scaling successful pilots will be key to realizing the full potential of this MoU.

Why This Matters – A Call to Action

The NTPC-UP 60 GW MoU is more than a document; it's a blueprint for a greener, self-reliant India. As the world watches Davos deals, this agreement signals hope for combating climate change while fueling economic growth. For viewers of the 10-second Hindi summary video, this is a quick glimpse into a transformative moment—share it to spread awareness about India's green energy surge!

In summary, the collaboration between NTPC Green Energy and Uttar Pradesh marks a pivotal chapter in sustainable development. With 60 GW ambitions, green hydrogen focus, and a Davos spotlight, it's set to power millions with clean energy for decades to come. Stay tuned for updates as projects unfold and contribute to a brighter, greener future.