Major firms bet on Rajasthan's green power push, especially solar

If figures are any indication, Rajasthan is becoming a prime location for renewable ene­rgy, especially solar power.  Rajasthan has a solar radiation capacity of 5.72 kwh per square meter per day, which is the highest in the country, making it an ideal location for the establishment of renewable energy projects. The state has an installed capacity of 18,701 megawatt (Mw) in renewable energy and 13,234 Mw of installed capacity in solar energy.  

The state has signed 93 proposals for about Rs 8 trillion with a number of firms in the segment. These include 49 memoranda of understanding worth Rs 3.04 trillion and 44 letters of intent for Rs 4.95 trillion. The investment proposals, when materialised, are expected to generate 229,000 jobs.  

Reliance Group leads the pack with plans to invest around Rs 1 trillion in solar power projects of 20,000 Mw in Jodhpur, Barmer, and Jalore, among other places. 
 

While state-run NTPC is likely to set up 10 Gw projects worth Rs 40,000 crore in the state, NHPC is interested in developing 10 Gw of projects worth Rs 20,000 crore. Similarly, Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam is likely to build 10 Gw projects estimated at Rs 50,000 crore, THDC India is planning a 10-Gw project, and Solar Energy Corporation of India plans to establish a 2-Gw project of Rs 9,000 crore.  

Besides, Axis Energy Group plans to set up a 28-Gw solar park, solar projects, and a 4 Gw module manufacturing facility worth Rs 7,000 crore.  Sukhveer Agro Group is keen on investing Rs 9,000 crore for 2 Gw solar park/projects and a 100-Mw biomass facility. The state has the highest number of sunny days with an average of 352 days a year. The total potential of solar power in the state is estimated to be 142 Gw, which is nearly 19 per cent of the country.