Power sector transition in Rajasthan

From Global Energy Monitor

Introduction

Symbolic Importance

  • immense potential
  • significant investment


Rajasthan is responsible for an estimated 20% of India's total electricity generation, beat only by Karnataka.[1]

Current System Description

Current Power Capacity Mix

Over 20% of power in Rajasthan comes from renewable sources, with more solar installed than any other state in India and ranking third in wind power capacity.[2] In 2024, Rajasthan became the first state in India to have solar reach more than 50% of its installed capacity.[3] A total of 30.31 GW of renewable energy has been installed in Rajasthan with solar alone providing 24.55 GW.[4]

Pie chart illustrating the installed operating power capacity in Rajasthan, India, as of 2024. Capacity is recorded in megawatts. Chart data is as follows: Coal: 11,655 MW Oil and Gas: 1,019.80 MW Wind: 4,304 MW Solar: 15,525.50 MW Hydropower: 361 MW Nuclear: 1,080 MW
Installed operating power capacity of Rajasthan, as of 2024. Source: Global Energy Monitor's Integrate Power Tracker, September 2024 release.[5]




Operating capacity across generation types in Rajasthan, India[5]
Energy Source Installed Capacity (MW) Percentage
Coal 11,655 MW 34.33%
Oil and Gas 1,019.8 MW 3.00%
Wind 4,304 MW 12.68%
Solar 15,525.5 MW 45.74%
Hydropower 361 MW 1.06%
Nuclear 1,080 MW 3.18%
Total 33,945.3 MW 100%

Prospective Power Capacity

Stacked bar chart illustrating the in-development power capacity of Rajasthan, India across generation types. Chart data is as follows: Wind: 515 MW in Pre-Construction Solar: 6,311 MW Announced, 18,071 MW in Pre-Construction, 1,675 MW under Construction Nuclear: 2,800 MW in Pre-Construction, 1,400 MW under Construction Hydropower: 2,560 MW Announced, 1,800 MW in Pre-Construction Coal: 1,330 MW Announced, 5,320 MW in Pre-Construction
In-development power capacity of Rajasthan, India, as of 2024. Source: Global Energy Monitor's Power Sector Trackers.[6][7][8][9][10]
Prospective capacity across generation types in Rajasthan, India. All values in megawatts.
Energy Source Announced Pre-construction Construction Total
Coal[6] 1,330 5,320 0 6,650
Wind[7] 0 515 0 515
Solar[8] 6,311 18,071 1,675 26,046
Hydropower[9] 2,560 1,800 0 4,360
Nuclear[10] 0 2,800 1,400 4,200
Total In-Development Power Capacity 41,771 MW

Renewables in Rajasthan

Renewable Targets

The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, recently announced Rajasthan's goal of achieving 125 GW of renewable energy by 2030, in line with India's national target of 500 GW in the same time frame.[11] The 125 GW will be comprised of 90 GW of solar, 25 GW of wind and hybrid power, and 10 GW of hydropower, pumped storage, and battery storage systems.[12]

Major Renewable Projects

  • [Green Energy Cities]

Between 2020 and March 2024, Rajasthan had the greatest amount of renewable energy installed across Indian states. Approximately 31% of all non-hydro renewable energy installations in India throughout that time were located in Rajasthan.[13]

The following tables list large-scale renewable energy projects captured by Global Energy Monitor's power sector trackers. Several of these projects are included in Rajasthan's major wind and solar clusters: Bhadla Solar Park Cluster, Jaisalmer Wind Energy Cluster, Barmer Solar & Wind energy Cluster, Phalodi-Pokhran Solar Cluster, and Pugal and Khuiyala Solar Cluster: Bikaner District.[2]

In-Development Renewable Energy Projects over 100 MW in capacity.[5] See Global Energy Monitor's Wind Power Tracker, Solar Power Tracker, and Integrated Power Tracker for a full list of projects.
Project Name Energy Source Installed Capacity (MW) Status
ArcellorMittla solar park Solar 4500 Announced
Rajasthan ONGC solar farm Solar 1000 Announced
Bikaner solar park Solar 1000 Construction
SECI Raj 4 solar farm Solar 975 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer solar park Solar 800 Announced
SECI 9 solar farm Solar 700 Pre-construction
Bhadla (NTPC) solar farm Solar 625 Pre-construction
Rajasthan (Adani) III solar farm Solar 600 Pre-construction
Rajasthan (Adani) V solar farm Solar 600 Pre-construction
Rajasthan (Adani) IV Hybrid solar farm Solar 570 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer NTPC (O2) solar farm Solar 400 Pre-construction
RTC-I solar farm Solar 400 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer NHPA (O2) solar farm Solar 380 Pre-construction
Jaisalemer (ACME) solar farm Solar 375 Pre-construction
Jaisalemer SECI Raj (Renew) solar farm Solar 375 Pre-construction
Jodhpur Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 2 Solar 333 Pre-construction
Rajasthan (Adani) II solar farm Solar 330 Pre-construction
Bhensada solar farm Solar 320 Pre-construction
Rajasthan (Adani) I solar farm Solar 300 Pre-construction
Rajasthan (NHPC) solar plant Solar 300 Construction
NLC CPSU Scheme Phase-II solar plant, Phase 1 Solar 300 Pre-construction
Hapasar solar farm Solar 300 Construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 1 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 10 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 11 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 12 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 13 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 14 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 15 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 16 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 17 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 18 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 19 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 2 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 20 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 3 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 4 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 5 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 6 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 7 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 8 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 9 Solar 250 Pre-construction
Amazon Solar Farm India - Rajasthan Jaisalmer Solar 210 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer (Adani) hybrid I wind farm Wind 200 Pre-construction
SECI Hybrid 2 solar farm Solar 200 Pre-construction
NLC CPSU Scheme Phase-II solar plant, Phase 2 Solar 200 Pre-construction
MSEDCL 6 solar farm Solar 200 Pre-construction
SECI 8 solar farm Solar 200 Pre-construction
Barmer (Sprng) solar farm Solar 200 Pre-construction
ABC Hybrid SECI III wind farm Wind 190 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Adani Group) solar farm, Phase 21 Solar 167 Pre-construction
Jodhpur Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 3 Solar 167 Pre-construction
Rajasthan (Adani) IV solar farm Solar 150 Pre-construction
NTPC Ltd (AMP India) solar farm Solar 150 Pre-construction
SECI 7 (AMP India) solar farm Solar 150 Pre-construction
SECI 9 (AMP India) solar farm Solar 150 Pre-construction
Chhattargarh solar farm Solar 150 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 1 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 10 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 11 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 12 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 13 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 14 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 15 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 16 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 17 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 18 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 2 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 3 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 4 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 5 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 6 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 7 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 8 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Jaisalmer Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 9 Solar 125 Pre-construction
Bikaner solar farm Solar 121 Pre-construction
Amazon Solar Farm India - Rajasthan Bikaner Solar 110 Pre-construction
Amazon Solar Farm India - Rajasthan Bhadla Solar 100 Pre-construction
Jodhpur Manufacturing (Azure Power) solar farm, Phase 1 Solar 100 Pre-construction
PSPCL solar farm Solar 100 Pre-construction
Operating Renewable Energy Projects over 100 MW in capacity.[5] See Global Energy Monitor's Wind Power Tracker, Solar Power Tracker, and Integrated Power Tracker for a full list of projects.
Project Name Energy Source Installed Capacity (MW) Year of Operation
Bhadla (SB Energy) Solar Park Solar 600 2020
Jaisalmer (Adani) II Solar Hybrid Farm Solar 600 2022
Rosepetal wind farm Wind 510 2023
Jodhpur (Brookfield) solar farm Solar 450 2022
Rajasthan 6 solar farm, Phase 1 Solar 450 2022
Jaisalmer (Adani) III Solar Hybrid Farm Solar 420 2022
Thar solar farm Solar 420 2022
Jaisalmer (Adani) I Solar Hybrid Farm, Phase 2 Solar 390 2022
Rajasthan (Avaada) solar farm Solar 320 2022
Badiseed solar farm Solar 300 2022
Bhadla (Hero) Solar Park Solar 300 2020
Bikaner (Avaadd) solar farm Solar 300 2022
Bikaner (Ayaana) solar farm Solar 300 2021
Bikaner Rajasthan (Adani) solar farm Solar 300 2023
Jaisalmer (Eden) solar farm Solar 300 2021
Mah Ph 2 solar farm Solar 300 2021
Nokhra solar farm Solar 300 2022
Pokhran (Adani) solar farm Solar 300 2021
Rajasthan 8 solar farm Solar 300 2022
SECI 3 solar farm Solar 300 2021
SECI 6 solar farm Solar 300 2022
Sambhu Ki Bhurj solar farm Solar 300 2022
Bhadla (Azure) Solar Park Solar 262 2019
Bhadla (NTPC) Solar Park Solar 260 2017
Rajasthan 9 solar farm Solar 257 2022
BhSP6 Acme solar farm Solar 250 2019
Jaisalmer SECI (O2) solar farm Solar 250 2022
Jaiselmer (Fortum) solar farm Solar 250 2021
Mah Ph 1 solar farm Solar 250 2019
SECI 4 solar farm, Phase 1 Solar 250 2021
Fatehgarh solar farm, Phase 2 Solar 246 2022
Devikot solar farm Solar 240 2022
Noorsar solar farm Solar 225 2022
Jodhpur (Mahindra) solar farm, Phase 2 Solar 217 2021
Jaisalmer (Adani) I Solar Hybrid Farm, Phase 1 Solar 210 2022
Bhadla (ACME) Solar Park Solar 200 2018
Bhadla (Mahoba) Solar Park Solar 200 2019
Bikaner (Mahindra) solar farm Solar 200 2021
Bhadla (Engie) Solar Park Solar 190 2018
Kolayat solar farm, Phase 1 Solar 175 2022
Jetsar solar farm Solar 160 2022
Jaisalmer (Adani) II wind farm Wind 150 2022
Sipla (Orix) wind farm Wind 150 2017
Bikaner (Renew) II solar farm Solar 150 2022
Loharki solar farm Solar 150 2021
Chhayan I solar farm Solar 150 2019
Rajasthan 6 solar farm, Phase 2 Solar 150 2020
Jodhpur (Mahindra) solar farm, Phase 1 Solar 145 2021
Sitara solar farm Solar 140 2021
Pratapgarh wind farm Wind 126 2015
Pratapgarh solar farm Solar 126 2016
Jaisalmer (Reliance) I solar farm Solar 125 2012
Dangri (Tata) wind farm Wind 118 Not Available
Dangri (Leap) wind farm Wind 112 Not Available
Bikaner (Tata) solar farm Solar 110 2023
SECI Raj solar farm Solar 110 2021
Jaisalmer (Adani) hybrid II wind farm Wind 105 2022
Jaisalmer (Ongc) wind farm Wind 102 2008
Tejuva (CLP) wind farm Wind 101 2015
Jaisalmer (Adani) I wind farm Wind 100 2022
Jaisalmer (Adani) III wind farm Wind 100 2022
Ludarwa wind farm Wind 100 2012
Rajasthan Hybrid (Adani) wind farm Wind 100 2022
Bhadla (Avaada) Solar Park Solar 100 2018
Shelved and Cancelled Renewable Energy Projects[5]
Project Name Energy Source Installed Capacity (MW) Status
Rajasthan IRESP wind farm Wind 900 Shelved - Inferred after two years of no updates
Rajasthan solar farm Solar 900 Shelved
Askandra solar farm Solar 100 Cancelled - Inferred after four years of no updates
Phalodi (Corporate Ispat) solar farm Solar 50 Cancelled - Inferred after four years of no updates
Jaisalmer (Altrade) wind farm Wind 30 Cancelled - Inferred after four years of no updates

Potential of Renewables

Rajasthan has significant solar resources, with strong winds, an estimated 325 clear sunny days annually, and solar radiation averaging approximately 6-7 kWh/m²/day.[2] Of India's entire renewable energy potential, an estimated 20.3% is expected to come from Rajasthan.[14]

The National Institute of Wind Energy has estimated each state's wind energy potential at a 100 meter hub height. Rajasthan's total onshore wind energy potential is 18,770.49 MW at 100 meters, broken down as 15,414.91 MW on wastelands, 3,342.62 MW on land that can be cultivated, and 12.96 MW on forest land.[15] At 150 meters, Rajasthan's potential grows to 284,000 MW for wind energy. In addition, the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy 2023 estimates solar potential for the state to be 142,000 MW.[16]

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis has projected that Rajasthan has the potential to install over 428,000 MW of renewable energy (comprised of wind, solar, and large hydropower). As of October 2024, only 7% of this potential had been realized.[13]

Potential impacts from renewables expansion

Large solar parks are being permitted in states including Rajasthan, Karnataka, and existing policy mechanisms have been insufficient in ensuring justice throughout the project development process. Policies like the Land Acquisition Act 2013 are intended to ensure transparency and informed consent, but it is often circumvented, leading to landowners selling for less than its true value. Nomadic communities might not be considered in the leasing of "wasteland" that is essential to their ways of life. Loss of farmland also impacts the livelihoods of agricultural workers, and women are particularly vulnerable. In addition to these land impacts, water-intensive solar projects may be sited in drought-prone areas.[17]

Fossil Fuels in Rajasthan

Fossil Resources and Retirement

Rajasthan has four mines in operation, with a total production of 6.6 million tonnes per annum. The largest mine is the Kapurdi Coal Mine, which yielded 4.64 milion tonnes of coal in 2022 and employs 636 workers. In addition, two mines are mothballed, i.e. neither producing coal nor fully closed, and one mine is in-development: the Bithnok Lignite Mine, which is undergoing permitting.[18][19]

While no fossil fuel power generation has been retired in Rajasthan, a total of 7,010 MW of coal-fired generation has been cancelled during the development process.[6]

Current impacts from fossil fuel

Rajasthan is one of the largest coal power producers in the north of India. Coal-fired generation creates fly ash, an environmental pollutant that contains toxic substances like lead, zinc, cadmium, nickel, mercury, and cobalt. These elements reach groundwater sources and enter food systems, and they have been linked to cancer, neurological and renal disorders, endocrine disruption, cardiovascular diseases.[20]

According to the Air Quality Life Index, residents in Rajasthan would see an increase in life expectancy of 3.12 years if particulate matter 2.5 pollution was reduced to World Health Organization guidelines.[21]

Broadly, climate change driven by carbon in the atmosphere is creating profound impacts for Rajasthan, which is considered one of India's four most vulnerable states. Given the majority of the state is covered in desert ecosystems, Rajasthan is incredibly dry and prone to water shortages and droughts, both of which are exacerbated by climate change and cause further catastrophes like famines. At the same time, Rajasthan is also experiencing significant rainfall pre-monsoon season, causing floods. This unpredictability of weather and rain is making adaptation difficult and has been affecting population spread and migratory patterns of animal species. Heat is another challenge facing residents. In the City of Churu, temperatures reach a grueling 50.5°C in May 2024. Heatwaves and heat-related illnesses have increased at rapid rates, and rising surface temperatures lead to accelerated water loss, desertification, and migration. In addition, India as a whole could lose an estimated 34 million jobs due to heat stress by 2030.[22][23][24][25]

Employment

Across India, renewable energy yielded an estimated 1.02 million jobs in 2023.[26]

Workforce development opportunities

Current employment from the fossil fuel sector

Rajasthan's four operating coal mines employ an estimated 2,068 individuals.[18]

Prospective employment from the renewable energy sector

Supply Chain

Rajasthan has ample raw materials and existing manufacturing capabilities for materials used in wind and solar structures. The State produces silver, feldspar, and ball clay, all of which are used in solar panel cells and glass, as well as fiberglass, resin, and plastics used in turbine nacelles and blades.[2]

Land availability

Map of the forest cover for the State of Rajasthan, India, as published by the Government of Rajasthan’s Forest Department. The map legend designates district boundaries, protected areas, and conservation reserves, with forest blocks broken down into reserve, protected, and unclassed. The majority of land cover (reserve and protected) is relegated to the southeast half. The Districts of Udaipur, Kota, and eastern Chittorgarh are particularly densely covered. While the District of Jaisalmer is largely barren, it has one of the largest swaths of protected areas in its southwest corner.
Rajasthan forest map, as published by the Government of Rajasthan's Forest Department.

Renewable energy development will require significant tracts of land. Wind energy projects require approximately 12,000 hectares per terrawatt hour per year. Meeting India's net-zero goals through wind and solar alone would require ~5 million hectares of land for solar plants and between 1.5 million – 2 million hectares for wind farms (in total, 1.7-2.5% of India’s area).[27]

Rajasthan is considered particularly well-suited for renewables development due to the presence of the Thar Desert across two-thirds of the state[28] and vast amounts of "wastelands" throughout the state, classified as "barren, desert-like lands with little productive use other than for livestock grazing." This type of land is also called Open Natural Ecosystems, and nomadic and pastoral communities are present throughout these stretches of land but are often overlooked in the consultation process. Development of the land could have have ecosystem-wide impacts by disturbing wildlife, releasing carbon stored in the soil, and restricting areas that pastoralists are able to access.[27] Pastoralists like the Raika community have already experienced disruption of their migratory routes,[29] and renewables development may exacerbate this.

Approximately 51,500 acres of industrial land is available for renewable development in Rajasthan.[2]

Civil Society Engagement

While Rajasthan is characterized as having wide, open expanses, but much of this land is community-conserved areas and communal lands known as "Orans." Residents conserve the plant and animal species found on these lands, which are spiritually significant and sacred. In light of wind and solar projects being sited on Orans, villagers from Jaisalmer marched 225 kilometers over nine days in protest. Other demonstrations were met with violence from local police.[30]

Several civil society organizations work at the nexus of climate justice, economic justice, community development, and other themes. The Centre for Community Economics and Development Consultants Society convenes stakeholders across government institutions, media, and civil society networks to promote community resilience and gender empowerment. The Centre works on climate change related issues within this body of work.[31] Additionally, World Resources Institute (WRI) India is collaborating with Bask Research Foundation, Customised Energy Solutions, Confederation of Indian Industry Green Business Centre, and Insight Development Consulting Group on their Rajasthan Sustainable Energy Transition Dialogues. These Dialogues are intended to convene stakeholders and experts to better understand challenges, opportunities, and methods to accelerate energy storage and rooftop solar in the state.[32]

Governmental information

Related governmental policies and papers

Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy (2010, amended in 2019): Establishes a target of installing 25 GW of solar in Rajasthan, which would represent 25% of India's overall grid-connected solar target. The State will promote decentralized grid-connected and off-grid solar, rooftop solar, solar plus storage, charging stations, solar parks, transmission and distribution, and associated manufacturing needs. The Plan also names the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd as the Nodal Agency responsible for registering, approving, and permitting solar projects.[33]

Rajasthan Wind and Hybrid Energy Policy (2019): The Policy aims to promote wind and storage projects, strengthen associated transmission and distribution capacities, encourage manufacture of components, and hybridize existing thermal power plants to power fuel consumption and emissions.[34]

Rajasthan State Action Plan on Climate Change (2022): Framework for addressing the current and projected impacts of climate change on Rajasthan. The Plan looks at emissions and mitigation measures across eight sectors: thermal power generation, industrial manufacturing, brick production, transportation, residential, agriculture, waste management, and tourism. Under business-as-usual operations, Rajasthan's emissions are expected to increase by 1.7 times by 2030, relative to 2022, with transportation seeing the largest increase. Specific mitigation measures in the power sector include 100% electrification of households, reducing electricity distribution losses, increased use of energy efficient equipment, and shifting toward renewable energy (developing ultra mega solar parks, deploying rooftop solar, use of solar powered pumps, etc.).[35]

Green Procurement Policy of the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (2023): Focused on green buildings, this policy encourages use of energy efficient equipment, clean technology, and low-carbon fuels.[36]

Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy (2023): Establishes Rajasthan's renewable energy goal of 90 GW by 2030, broken down as 65 GW of solar, 15 GW of wind and hybrid energy, and 10 GW of hydropower, pumped storage, and battery storage systems. The Policy promotes decentralized solar, rooftop solar, off-grid applications like water pumps, renewable energy projects paired with storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, mega solar parks, transmission and distribution strengthening, and expanded manufacturing capacities. The Policy also names the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd as the Nodal Agency responsible for registering, approving, and permitting solar projects.[16]

Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024: Outlines the vision for a "stakeholder-driven" policy for developing Rajasthan's renewable energy sector. The Policy highlights the complementary nature of wind and solar and argues for strategic deployment to reduce variability and optimize use. Specific actions called for include the creation of a wind energy hub; promotion of distributed, rooftop, and floating solar energy systems; encouragement of projects for captive use; development of large-scale Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Projects; strengthening of existing distribution and transmission infrastructure; and building up domestic manufacturing capacities.[12]

Relevant governmental ministries

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE): Nodal Agency responsible for the development and installation of renewable energy resources. MNRE is tasked with creating and implementing policies and programs, as well as spearheading research and development. Specific goals of MNRE include improving energy efficiency, advancing energy equity, increasing share of clean energy, and increasing access to energy across the country.[37]

National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE): Housed under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, NIWE serves as the Nodal Agency for offshore wind development across India. NIWE operates across seven areas: Research and Development; Certification and Information Technology; Testing, Standards, and Regulation; Wind Resource Assessment; Offshore Wind Development; Skill Development and Training; and Finance and Administration.[38][39]

Rajasthan Department of Environment and Climate Change: Established in 2019, the Department focuses primarily on environmental and biodiversity conservation in the face of population growth, scientific and industrial development, and rapid urbanization in Rajasthan.[40]

Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC): RERC is tasked with a wide range of tasks: determining tariffs for generation, supply, transmission, and wheeling of electricity; regulating purchase and procurement processes; facilitating intra-state transmission; issuing relevant transmission and distribution licenses; promoting renewable generation and co-generation; and adjudicating relevant disputes.[41]

Relevant coalitions and partnerships

Coal India Ltd (CIL), a state-owned coal producer, has recently partnered with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd to develop renewable energy in Rajasthan. These projects will largely be paired with coal-fired generation, and CIL will hold 74% of the joint venture's stake.[42]

The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Rocky Mountain Institute have helped Rajasthan's Energy Department in medium- and long-term power sector planning, with a focus on the potential of rooftop solar.[43]

Public-Private Partnerships

In late September 2024, Tata Power signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Rajasthan agreeming to an investment of an estimated INR ₹ 1.2 lakh crores (USD $14.27 billion) over ten years. This funding will be directed toward renewable energy projects and associated manufacturing, transmission, and distribution, as well as nuclear power, rooftop installations, and charging for electric vehicles.[13][44] On the same day, NTPC Green Energy Limited signed an MOU with the Government of Rajasthan to develop 25 GW of renewable energy projects across the state.[45]

Transmission

Two main bodies manage India's transmission system: the Power System Operation Corporation Ltd is the national grid operator, and the Power Grid Corporation of India serves as the central transmission utility.[1]

Current transmission resources

New transmission needed for renewables

Green Energy Corridors
With current and future renewable energy development in mind, the Government of India has established the Green Energy Corridors (GEC) initiative to streamline electricity transmission construction in high-traffic areas. Rajasthan is included in both GEC phases; Phase 1 stretches across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, and Phase 2 will stretch across Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. With these projects, the Government of India aims to ensure efficient transportation of electricity from renewable energy hotspots to dense urban population centers.[26]

Phase 1 spans 9,700 circuit kilometers (ckm) in transmission lines and 22,600 megavolt-amperes (MVA) in substations and is used to evacuate ~24 GW of power. As of June 2024, 9,135 ckm of transmission and 21,313 MVA substations have been constructed/charged, with all Rajasthan projects completed. Phase 2 is underway after approval in January 2022, with an expected commissioning date of March 2026. The second phase will see a total of 7,574 kcm and 29,737 MVA substations (659 ckm and 2,191 MVA substations in Rajasthan alone).[46]

  • [what else?]

Social and environmental impacts of new transmission

Transmission lines have been particularly dangerous for Great Indian Bustards, a large and critically endangered bird that tends to be concentrated in the Jaisalmer district in Rajasthan. Their size makes maneuvering around transmission lines particularly difficult, resulting in injuries, electrocution, and death. To address this, the Wildlife Institute of India recommends establishing zones where power lines are prohibited or moved underground to allow for clear pathways, as well as the installation of bird deterrents.[47]

Permitting

Environmental Impact Assessments are mandated by Environmental (Protection) Act of 1986, though a 2006 Notification on Environmental Impact Assessments exempt renewable energy projects from completing them. Wind and solar projects are also exempt from Consent to Operate requirements required by the State Pollution Control Board.[27]

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd (RREC), which was created in 2002 after merging the Rajasthan Energy Development Agency and the Rajasthan State Power Corporation Ltd,[48] now serves as Rajasthan's nodal agency. In this role, RREC has broad responsibilities: selecting projects through competitive bidding, facilitating allotments of government land, arranging statutory clearances and approvals, and registering, approving, and accrediting projects broadly. RREC is expected to create an online portal to aid developers in navigating the required permissions and clearances, though this portal does not yet exist as of December 2024.[12]

Approval and clearance of renewable energy power projects on contingent on several factors listed below, in accordance with the newly released Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy (2024):[12]

  • Submission and acceptance of a detailed project report
  • Land availability
  • Availability of power evacuation system for the proposed project
  • Water availability for thermal solar plants, if applicable
  • Documentation of a power purchase agreement or other evidence of power sale to a third party
  • Clearance of the project's Security Deposit


The project developer must apply for approval within three months of the land lease being signed and must pay the security deposit within three months of the approval being received.[12]

Ownership

Major owners of current fossil capacity

A list of owners of Rajasthan's active fossil fuel (coal, oil & gas) capacity is listed in the table below:[5]

Owners of Rajasthan's fossil fuel capacity
Owner Installed Capacity (MW)
Adani Power Ltd 1,320
DCM Shriram Ltd/DCM Shriram Industries Ltd 266
Hindustan Zinc Ltd 474
JSW Energy Ltd 1,080
KSK Energy Ventures Ltd 135
NLC India Ltd 250
NTPC Ltd 419.3
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd 8,180.5
Shree Cement Ltd 300

Major owners of prospective renewables

Several owners of operating fossil fuel capacity are actively developing wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower facilities in Rajasthan. Owners of prospective wind and solar are listed below:[5]

Owners of Rajasthan's fossil fuel capacity
Owner Installed Capacity (MW)
ABC Renewable Energy 190
ACME Group 375
Adani Green Energy/Adani Group 7,917
Amazon 420
Amp Energy/Amp Energy India 855
Amplus Solar 121
ArcelorMittal 4,500
Azure Power 2,983
Calpine Subsico Solar Energy Pvt Ltd 90
Hera Sun Power Pvt Ltd 20
Mahindra Susten 75
NHPC Ltd 300
NLC India Ltd 500
NTPC Ltd 1,185
O2 Power 780
Oil and Natural Gas Corp Ltd 1,000
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd 800
ReNew Power 2,950
Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd 1,300
Sprng Energy 200

Additionally, Greenko Energies is developing 1,800 MW of hydropower, and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd is developing 4,200 MW of nuclear.[5]

Finance

Potential providers of wind/solar finance

In addition to wind and solar finance, Rajasthan and the Government of India are working together on securing funding for transmission projects. The Green Energy Corridor Phase 1 was funded through a combination of Central Government grants (40%, Rs. 4056.67 crore), State Government equity (20%), and a loan from Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) in Germany (40%, EUR 500 Million). Phase 2 costs Rs. 12031.33 crore with the Central Government providing financial assistance (33%, 3970.34 crore) and the rest availablel through loans from KfW, India's Rural Electrification Corporation, and Power Finance Corporation.[49][46]

The Asian Development Bank is also supporting transmission development in Rajasthan. Its Rajasthan Renewable Energy Transmission Investment Program saw two tranches of funding: Tranche 1 had USD $62 million in ordinary capital resources and USD $88 million from the Clean Technology Fund, while Tranche 2 had USD $238 million in ordinary capital resources and USD $110 million from the Clean Technology Fund. An additional USD $2 million from the Clean Technology Fund supported capacity development and implementation support.[50][51]

  • [specific financiers of wind and solar projects]

Just Energy Transition Partnerships

The G7 countries—Germany, Italy, Canada, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—expressed their intent to negotiate with India on a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JTEP).[52] However, there are concerns that India will not accept the partnership, as it hinges on a coal phaseout timeline provision.[53]

Other

The Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy (2024) designates the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation as the body that will facilitate funding for research, development, and training for renewable energy skills and expertise.[12]

Articles and resources

Related GEM.wiki articles

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 “Green Grids: India’s Pathways and Asia’s Preparedness,” The National Bureau of Asian Research, April 25 2024
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 “Renewable Energy,” Rising Rajasthan, Retrieved December 11 2024
  3. “Rajasthan Becomes First State with 50% Solar in Power Mix,” Mercom, August 14 2024
  4. “Rajasthan leads RE drive with ambitious 125 GW target by 2030,” Electrical & Power Review, December 10 2024
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Global Energy Monitor, Global Integrated Power Tracker, September 2024 release.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Global Coal Plant Tracker, Global Energy Monitor, July 2024 release.
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  9. 9.0 9.1 Global Energy Monitor, Global Hydropower Tracker, April 2024 release
  10. 10.0 10.1 Global Energy Monitor, Global Nuclear Power Tracker, July 2024 release.
  11. “A“Rajasthan stands at the forefront of India’s renewable energy revolution,” says Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi - Union Minister Joshi addresses 'Rising Rajasthan: Transition towards a Sustainable Energy Economy' Summit in Jaipur,” Minitry of New and Renewable Energy, December 9 2024
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 “Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024,” Energy Department of the Government of Rajasthan, 2024
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 “Cementing Rajasthan's and Gujarat's Renewable Energy Leadership,” Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, October 2024
  14. “Employment Opportunities in Renewable Energy Rise by 23.7% in 2024,” Hartek Group, July 2024
  15. “Wind Power Potential at 100m agl,” National Institute of Wind Energy, December 21 2024
  16. 16.0 16.1 “Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023,” Government of Rajasthan Energy Department, October 6 2023
  17. “India Needs An Energy Justice Focus In Its Solar Transition,” Transitions Research, February 16 2024
  18. 18.0 18.1 Global Energy Monitor, Global Coal Mine Tracker, April 2024 release.
  19. Global Energy Monitor, Global Coal Mine Tracker, September 2024 Supplement release.
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  21. “The Index,” Air Quality Life Index, Retrieved December 23 2024
  22. “Climate Change in Rajasthan,” RajRAS, Retrieved December 23 2024
  23. “Building Capacity to Address Intensifying Heat in Rajasthan, India,” NRDC, November 5 2024
  24. “Climate impact: Rajasthan’s pre-monsoon rainfall was three times more than average this year,” Down To Earth, June 1 2023
  25. “Rajasthan is getting wetter and it’s not good news for the desert ecology,” MongaBay, October 21 2022
  26. 26.0 26.1 “India's Renewable Energy Boom: Job Creation and Sustainable Growth,” Government of India Press Information Bureau, October 4 2024
  27. 27.0 27.1 27.2 “Renewable energy projects must do more to safeguard India’s natural ecosystems,” Land & Climate Review, March 13 2024
  28. [https://www.ijert.org/research/a-review-of-solar-energy-potential-status-targets-and-challenges-in-rajasthan-IJERTV3IS030668.pdf “A Review of Solar Energy: Potential, Status, Targets and Challenges in Rajasthan,”] Mandsaur Institute of Technology and the Poornima College of Engineering, March 2014
  29. “Ruins of pastoralism in the Western Rajasthan borderland,” International Institute for Asian Studies, 2019
  30. “The Problem with Wind Farming on Rajasthan’s Sacred Lands,” EdgeEffects, May 23 2023
  31. “About Us,” Centre for Community Economics and Development Consultants Society, Retrieved December 23 2024
  32. “Rajasthan Sustainable Energy Transformation Dialogues: Deploying Energy Storage and Distributed Solar Energy in the Grid,” WRI India, March 16 2023
  33. “Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy, 2019,” Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited, August 22 2019
  34. “Rajasthan Wind and Hybrid Energy Policy 2019,” EQ Mag Pro, December 18 2019
  35. “Rajasthan State Action Plan on Climate Change 2022,” Climate Studies of IIT Bombay in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Rajasthan, 2022
  36. “ORDER: Sub: In the matter of the Green Procurement Policy of the Commission,” Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission, March 4 2024
  37. “परिचय,” Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Retrieved December 18 2024
  38. “Welcome to the NIWE Website,” National Institute of Wind Energy, Retrieved December 18 2024
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  41. “About RERC,” Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission, Retrieved December 18 2024
  42. “Coal India and RRVUNL Partner to Boost Renewable Energy in Rajasthan,” Entrepreneur India, September 24 2024
  43. “Supporting India's States With Renewable Energy Integration,” U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Retrieved December 19 2024
  44. “Tata Power inks MoU with Rajasthan Government for an investment plan of ~₹ 1.2 lakh crores in Power Distribution, Transmission, and Renewables,” Tata Power, September 30 2024
  45. “NTPC Green Energy Limited Signs MoU with Government of Rajasthan for 25 GW Renewable Energy Projects,” NTPC, Retrieved December 19 2024
  46. 46.0 46.1 “Green Energy Corridor,” Government of India Ministr y of Power, Retrieved December 24 2024
  47. “Power-Line Mitigation Measures, Second Edition,” Wildlife Institute of India, 2020
  48. “Welcome to RRECL,” Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation, Retrieved December 13 2024
  49. “Green Energy Corridor in Rajasthan : Unveiling the Sustainable Power Revolution,” Green H2 World, November 24 2023
  50. “India : Rajasthan Renewable Energy Transmission Investment Program - Tranche 1,” Asian Development Bank, Retrieved December 24 2024
  51. “India : Rajasthan Renewable Energy Transmission Investment Program - Tranche 2,” Asian Development Bank, Retrieved December 24 2024
  52. Pai, Sandeep (2022-10-11). "The G7 and Indian Just Energy Transition Partnership Roadmap". csis.org.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  53. Roli Srivastava, Thomson Reuters Foundation. "CORRECTED-ANALYSIS-India wants a clean energy transition deal - and its coal too". U.S. Retrieved 2023-06-16. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)