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IOCL Solarises its Varanasi and Guwahati Facility with Freyr Energy’s Rooftop Solar Systems

Indian Oil Corporation has commissioned rooftop solar plants of 150 kW in Guwahati and 125 kW in Varanasi, together generating over 3.76 lakh kWh of clean electricity annually and improving energy reliability across its fuel retail operations. Freyr Energy has played a pivotal role in solarising IOCL’s facilities across the country.

June 22, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey

Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) has commissioned a 150 kW rooftop solar plant at its Guwahati facility and a 125 kW rooftop solar system at its Varanasi facility, enabling operational resilience.

The 150 kW system at its Guwahati facility supports a significant portion of the overall operational energy requirements and generates approximately 2,05,200 kWh annually. This has resulted in an estimated annual cost savings of INR 13,80,000, contributing to an estimated ROI within 4 to 5 years.

The 125 kW rooftop solar system at its Varanasi facility supports its overall operational requirements, while strengthening energy reliability and cost efficiency. The installed rooftop solar system generates approximately 1,71,000 kWh per year, resulting in an estimated annual cost savings of around INR 13,00,000, contributing to a payback period (ROI) of approximately 5.2 years.

The rooftop solar system supports fuel dispensers, lighting, CCTV, POS systems, air compressors, signage, and EV charging stations, helping reduce dependence on grid electricity and diesel generators. At a time when energy security concerns and supply chain disruptions are becoming increasingly prevalent, rooftop solar provides a reliable source of power for critical operations. The transition to rooftop solar has also contributed to lower operational costs, improved energy efficiency, and greater sustainability in day-to-day operations.

Commenting on the growing adoption of rooftop solar by public sector companies, Radhika Choudhary, Co-Founder, Freyr Energy, said, “Rooftop solar is increasingly emerging as a strategic investment for commercial and industrial infrastructure, enabling public sector companies to lower electricity costs, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen energy reliability. Further, growing concerns around energy disruptions and supply chain uncertainties are accelerating the need for sustainable energy solutions as consumers seek greater energy resilience.”

She further adds, “Varanasi holds strategic importance in the fuel ecosystem as a major religious destination, attracting nearly 70 million pilgrims and tourists annually. Driving strong seasonal fuel demand from taxis, buses, tourist vehicles, freight movement, and significant intercity and interstate travel. Additionally, Petrol stations in the northeast region face high operational stress and fluctuating demand, making reliable power essential for fuel dispensing, billing, lighting, and safety systems. For sectors such as fuel retail, solar plays a pivotal role in reducing dependence on conventional power sources.”

Varanasi is a key road connectivity hub in northern India. Positioned along key national highways, it connects eastern Uttar Pradesh with Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, acting as a crucial transit point for both interstate and intrastate movement. Whereas, Guwahati serves as the main gateway to Northeast India and is a key logistics, transport, and commercial hub for the region. Fuel demand in this region is high due to the movement of passenger vehicles, long-distance freight trucks, interstate transport, military activity, and logistics movement into states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

As fuel stations rely on uninterrupted electricity for most of their operation, rooftop solar has emerged as a valuable energy alternative in both regions. Freyr Energy has played a pivotal role in solarising IOCL’s facilities across the country. This multi-state, multi-year initiative by the country’s oil giant reflects its commitment towards its sustainability goals.

As more petrol stations in Assam, Uttar Pradesh and other states adopt rooftop solar, the shift can play an important role in supporting India’s clean energy transition. With nearly 41,000 retail fuel outlets across the country, a large-scale solar adoption across fuel stations has the potential to significantly expand the renewable energy capacity, reduce the dependence on the grid and contribute to India’s target of achieving 500 GW solar energy by 2030, stated the company.

Tags:

Solar PV

Indian Oil Corporation

IOCL

Solar projects at petrol pumps

Indian Oil retail outlets solarisation

Solarising petrol pumps

Freyr Energy

Radhika Choudary