Renewable Energy policy has been unveiled in Gujarat state, by the Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, this was done in the presence of Energy and Finance Minister Kanu Desai . The aim is developing renewable energy generation projects specifically,wind ,solar and hybrid technologies.
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energies are those forms of energies hat can be reproduced and they are not replenished. Also called “Clean Energy” they are being thrusted as alternate sources of energy in place of coal, petroleum as these are fossil fuels and have severe effects on the planet.
They are of various types,like Solar Energy which harnesses the rays of the Sun. It can be done by using solar panels.
Wind energy, from turbines which feeds an electric generator and produce electricity.
Hydropower relies on water,which is mostly fast flowing or descending from a high point.This force is then converted to electricity.
Hybrid technology is a combination of one or more renewable technologies and is more advantageous.
Features of Gujarat Renewable Energy policy 2023
The policy aims to replace half of the total energy produced with renewable or clean energy.
Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy 2030 ,is poised to harness the state’s full renewable Energy potential, according to Mr.Desai. It is anticipated that the policy would attract investments worth Rs.5 Lakh crore, according to the government. Four Lakh acres of land are to be utilised for setting up of various Renewable energy projects.
There existed a restriction of 50 percent on the demand to be fulfilled by these energy plants,this is now removed and there is no capacity restriction in terms of consumer contract demand. A number of hybrid project would be incorporated like ground -mounted solar, canal-top solar ,roof-top wind solar and more.
Surplus Renewable Energy produced by industrial consumers would now be carried forward and utilised for 30 more days. The policy allows for inter-state export of energy.
The state government to advance rooftop setting of this energy,no bunking charges would be applicable on solar power consumed by Residential consumers upto 3.5kW. Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Net metering or gross metering are options available to rooftop projects.
The policy aims to facilitate WTG (Wind Turbine Generator) manufacturers and renewable energy developers to install prototype WTGs,with a view to push innovation. Floating and canal based projects would be implemented with proper consultations.
Old wind turbines,or which are inefficient would be replaced by bigger more efficient ones,there is no limitation to capacity added. The policy also facilitates converting standalone solar,wind projects under construction into hybrid ones. Offshore wind projects would be encouraged with incentives.
The policy shall remain until 2028 ,or until a new policy comes in place.
India’s progress on renewable energy
Government policies, interventions, scientific advancement and foreign investment,has enabled India to emerge as a leader in the Global Renewable Energy Market.
Renewable Energy Source,has a combined installed capacity of 179.322 GW, as of July 2023.
India’s target is to reduce the carbon intensity of the nation’s economy by less than 45% by the end of the decade, and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070. The country also aims to achieve 50 percent of its energy met by renewable sources and not fossil fuels.
India aims for 500 GW of renewable energy installed capacity by 2030,and production of five million tonnes of green hydrogen energy by 2030. The Union Budget too highlighted the importance of sustainable forms of energy,Green Growth is identified as one of the nodes in Saptarishi (7 priorities).
As the country takes strides in the renewable energy sector ,India is poised to transition to a sustainable future.
