Rajasthan has introduced its renewable energy policy 2023 which aims to harness the immense potential of renewable energy, specifically solar and wind power, and facilitate their incorporation into the state’s electricity network. This policy paves the way for green power generation, lessening reliance on fossil fuels and aligning with both national and worldwide endeavors to address the issue of climate change. The policy also strives to foster the growth of the renewable energy sector within the state through a stakeholder-driven approach. This policy also aims to support the advancement of infrastructure within the renewable energy sector, encompassing generation, transmission, distribution, and manufacturing.
The state government has established ambitious objectives to accomplish by 2029-30. The policy’s primary objective is to facilitate the development of a cumulative 90 GW of clean power projects. Within this total, 65 GW will be dedicated to solar energy, 15 GW will be from wind and hybrid sources, and 10 GW will be generated through hydro, pump storage plants (PSP), and battery energy storage systems (BESS). In order to facilitate the smooth integration of renewable energy into the state’s electricity grid, the policy requires state distribution companies (discoms) to procure renewable energy in accordance with the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) set by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC). This step aims not only to boost the demand for renewable energy but also to provide incentives for investments in clean power projects.
The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy encompasses a diverse range of initiatives designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy. The state government is dedicated to facilitating the installation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems. It aims to convert district headquarters and strategic locations into green energy cities through the deployment of solar rooftop systems. Furthermore, the policy allows for the establishment of grid-connected rooftop PV solar power plants using net metering arrangements. Under this provision, discoms will permit capacity expansions of solar rooftops up to 50 per cent of the capacity of the distribution transformer in the respective area. Additionally, government buildings have the option to host rooftop solar power plants under the renewable energy service company model. Solar rooftop systems can also be established under the gross metering scheme in accordance with the guidelines outlined by either the state government or central government. This scheme permits the installation of solar rooftop systems with a capacity of up to 1 MW.
In addition to its robust support for solar energy, the policy also extends its backing to wind power projects, for both sale to discoms and for captive consumption within the state. It encourages the development of wind-solar hybrid power projects, which combine both wind and solar energy generation to enhance grid stability. Furthermore, the policy recognises large hydropower projects and PSPs as sources of renewable energy. The policy encourages the use of renewable energy to charge electric vehicles, recognising the significance of moving toward clean mobility. The Ministry of Power and Central Electricity Authority have established standards and rules for the charging infrastructure, and charging stations may include on-site renewable energy generation. Additionally, the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy seeks to encourage the establishment of renewable energy parks in collaboration with private developers. The cost of the government-provided land is included in the state government’s equity participation, which it will contribute up to 50 per cent in these enterprises.
