Accelerating Solar Power Growth in Rajasthan

• 08 Jul 2025

Why in News? 

A high-level meeting reviewed issues affecting 18 major infrastructure projects worth over Rs 36,296 crore in Gujarat and Rajasthan, focusing on resolving bottlenecks through the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) mechanism. 

Key Points 

• Key Focus of the Meeting: 
  • The meeting reviewed the Transmission System Strengthening Scheme aimed at evacuating solar power from renewable energy zones in Rajasthan and Gujarat. 
    • With a projected investment of Rs 14,147 crore, the scheme focuses on developing high-capacity transmission lines and substations to integrate solar energy into the national grid. 
  • In Rajasthan, the project covers Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Barmer; in Gujarat, it focuses on Surendranagar, Patan, and Kutch—regions rich in solar potential. 
    • These projects are vital to ensuring reliable power transmission from generation zones to consumption centres across India. 
  • The meeting prioritised resolving key implementation challenges such as right-of-way (RoW) and land acquisition to fast-track progress on transmission infrastructure. 
  • State Government officials focused on expediting forest-related clearances critical to the rollout of telecom infrastructure in remote areas. 
• Solar Power Production in Rajasthan: 
  • Rajasthan ranks 1st in India in terms of solar energy, with an installed solar capacity of 22,860.73 MW. 
    • The state benefits from over 325 sunny days annually, making it ideal for solar power generation. 
  • Rajasthan recorded the highest annual growth rate of 18.63% in installed renewable energy capacity among all Indian states. 
  • In 2023, Rajasthan had the highest installed capacity of grid-connected renewable energy at 22,398 MW, followed by Gujarat with 19,436 MW. 
  • As of 2024, Rajasthan surpassed 18 GW of installed solar capacity, reinforcing its status as India’s top solar power-generating state. 
  • Rajasthan's Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 aims to significantly boost renewable energy, particularly solar power, to achieve a 125 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.  
    • The policy focuses on leveraging the state's abundant natural resources and includes measures for both large-scale solar parks and rooftop solar installations.  
    • It also promotes wind, hybrid, and green hydrogen energy initiatives.

Note: India became the world’s third-largest producer of electricity from wind and solar energy in 2024, overtaking Germany, as reported in April 2025.