India’s Desert State Aims For 65 GW Solar Energy

• Rajasthan's new renewable energy policy targets 90 GW capacity by FY 2030 
• It comprises 65 GW solar PV and 15 GW of wind and hybrid projects capacity 
• The state is also aiming for 2000 kTPA green hydrogen production by the same target year 

Solar energy forms the lion's share of Rajasthan's renewable energy targets for 2030 under the state government's newly released Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023. Rajasthan's 65 GW solar target will make up over 23% of the 280 GW solar target set by the Government of India (GoI) for the target year. 

The solar PV target has been more than doubled compared to 30 GW the state was aiming for by FY 2024-25 under its Solar Energy Policy 2019 (see Rajasthan Targets 30 GW Solar By FY 2024-25). 

Of the 90 GW renewable energy capacity targeted by FY 2029-30 under the new policy, the desert state of India will add 65 GW solar and 15 GW of wind and hybrid projects. Another 10 GW is targeted to come from hydro, pump storage plant (PSP) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). 

Currently, the state takes the crown for the largest amount of renewable energy as well as solar PV installed with 23.4 GW and 18.08 GW, respectively till September 30, 2023 as per the GoI's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. However, the state's technical potential for solar energy is estimated to be 142 GW while wind potential is likely around 284 GW. 

All renewable energy generated will be purchased by the state discoms based on their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO). The state will also make efforts to sell power generated to other entities, and for captive consumption, within and outside Rajasthan. 

The development of floating, canal-top and reservoir-top solar PV projects will also be promoted under the policy. Off-grid solar applications will be incentivized as hybrid systems, and also promoted in remote villages. Solar PV pumps for pressure irrigation systems will be encouraged as well. 

Rooftop solar with net metering is part of the plan with discoms obliged to commission or ensure grid connection of the project within 3 days from the receipt of application. 

Power supplied by rooftop PV systems of up to 1 MW capacity with gross metering will be set up for supply to discoms.  

Hybrid projects encompass the hybridization of existing wind-solar projects, new wind-solar projects, and hybridization of current thermal power plants by setting up renewable power plants. 

Managed by the state nodal agency Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation (RREC), the policy will stay in force for 4 years. The policy document can be viewed on the state administration's website. 

Recently, the state government also released its Rajasthan Green Hydrogen Policy, 2023 to target 2,000 kilo tonnes/annum (kTPA) by 2030 and reduce its dependency on import of ammonia and fossil fuels. The aim is also to develop at least 1 gigafactory for electrolyzer manufacturing that can also cater to export markets globally.  

The hydrogen policy will see the state blending up to 10% green hydrogen in natural gas pipeline for gas produced within Rajasthan by 2030. 

At the national level, India has set itself a target for 5 million MT green hydrogen/year by 2030 (see India's INR 197 Billion National Green Hydrogen Mission).