Rajasthan Positioned as Key Player in India’s Renewable Energy Revolution: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

Jaipur: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, highlighted Rajasthan’s pivotal role in advancing India’s renewable energy goals during the ‘Rising Rajasthan Summit’ in Jaipur. Speaking at the session on ‘Transition Towards a Sustainable Energy Economy,’ Joshi emphasized that Rajasthan stands at the forefront of India’s renewable energy revolution. With its bold targets, progressive policies, and recent investments, the state is on track to become a renewable energy powerhouse, he said.

Joshi lauded the recent launch of Rajasthan’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, which aims to achieve an impressive 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. He stated that this ambitious policy would contribute significantly to India’s national target of 500 GW of renewable energy by the same year, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “These incentives reflect Rajasthan’s commitment to creating a thriving ecosystem for renewable energy investments,” the Minister added.

The Union Minister also acknowledged Rajasthan’s significant achievements in the renewable energy sector. With an installed renewable energy capacity of 30.31 GW, the state leads the country, with solar power contributing 24.55 GW of this total. Rajasthan’s leadership in solar energy was hailed as a key factor in India’s renewable energy success. Additionally, Joshi praised the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024, which offers attractive incentives to investors in the renewable energy sector, further bolstering the state’s energy transition.

The Minister urged Rajasthan to expedite the implementation of several key initiatives aimed at maximizing the benefits of the state’s renewable energy efforts. He particularly highlighted the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to provide solar energy solutions to households, as a critical step towards enhancing energy accessibility. Joshi also called for the swift operationalization of the state’s Green Hydrogen Policy, which aims to position Rajasthan as a hub for emerging green technologies.

At the Summit, discussions on innovative renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, took center stage. The event showcased new breakthroughs and financing mechanisms that could further accelerate the growth of the sector. “Rajasthan has the potential to become a global hub for renewable energy innovation,” Joshi remarked, underlining the state’s emerging role in global renewable energy markets.

In a key announcement during the event, Union Minister Joshi approved a 2000 MW Solar Park project under the Rajasthan Solar Development Corporation. The project, which will receive 30% Central Financial Assistance, is expected to play a significant role in the state’s renewable energy growth. The Union Government, Joshi assured, would continue to work closely with all stakeholders to further strengthen the renewable energy sector.

The ‘Rising Rajasthan Summit’ was also graced by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Minister for Energy Heera Lal Nagar, and other dignitaries. The event was an important platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, investors, and industry leaders in the renewable energy space. The government’s ongoing efforts, both at the state and national levels, signal a bright future for Rajasthan’s renewable energy sector, contributing to India’s ambitious sustainability targets.