Rajasthan’s solar potential requires attention of the state government

As we see more developers lining up and project sanctions picking up speed, it is expected that by March 2017, India’s solar power generation capacity will almost double. Industry experts forecast the country’s capacity to reach 10,000 MW. Many bigger projects are coming up in several states, the state of affairs of solar energy in Rajasthan seems upbeat to all.  The other states leading the charts are Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

Presently ranked at the 11th position, it will soon make it to the global top 5 countries in power generation.  At the world level, China is at the top followed by Germany with 43 GW and 38 GW capacities.  About 34 solar parks are in the pipeline in 21 states of India, as approved by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).  With developments like this solar energy in Rajasthan is poised to attain greater heights.

However, Rajasthan has to continue with its efforts in attracting investments and streamlining the overall infrastructure necessary for solar projects. States like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat are showing better and promising prospects in this sector. In spite of an enormous potential in solar power generation, solar energy in Rajasthan demands further impetus.

The solar policy of the state implemented in 2014, needs some concrete amendments to continue attracting newer projects here. Above all, an atmosphere conducive to investors and attract much required long-term investment in the state. On the other hand, issues related to land acquisition and other approval related processes need to be smoothened and made swift. An overall image building and branding is the need of the hour for the state. The focus should be to convert the potential of the state in solar power generation into a reality on the actual ground.

Solar energy in Rajasthan will not only provide a sustainable solution to the energy requirements of the state, but it will also open up vast employment opportunities for the people. The investment potential in this sector in our country overall is huge. It is in tune to USD 220-225 billion, but will Rajasthan will be able to attract its portion of this investment, is to be seen. 

Apart from the power generation, the state needs to focus on distribution, transmission, and equipment procurement aspects of this industry.  The investor is likely to consider all these facets of the state before taking the final decision.

As far as the policies are concerned, the state’s government machinery needs to think out of the box. Policies aimed at mutual benefits of all the stakeholders needs to be devised.