Gujarat is blazing a trail in the sector as it ramps up its installed capacity, solidifying its position as a leader in Indias clean energy transition. Recently, Gujarat outshoneTamil Naduwith the highest Wind Energy installations in the country. Data from the Union ministry of new and renewable energy reveals that Gujarat boasts an impressive installed capacity of 10.41 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, surpassing Chennais 10.12GW capacity. In fact, this accounts for a remarkable 51.3% of the states total renewable energy capacity, including biopower and solar power.
With this, wind energy has taken the lead over Solar Energy installations in Gujarat. The state boasts an additional 9.68GW of solar installations, along with 0.11GW of biopower generation capacity and 91.64MW of small Hydro Power.
The Centre has set a target of 500GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030. Gujarat has consistently been at the forefront of this sector, with aggressive installations in wind and solar energy generation. Enhanced incentives for adoption in residential and industrial sectors are among the key factors driving this rapid Growth. To achieve the 500GW target, a diverse mix of solar, wind, and other renewable energies is essential, explains Jaideep Malaviya, a renewable energy consultant.
While Gujarat has long been a pioneer in solar installations, it currently ranks second toRajasthanin terms of cumulative solar installations in India. However, Gujarat shows no signs of slowing down, as the Gujarat UrjaVikasNigam Limited (GUVNL) recently announced plans to add 10GW of fresh renewable energy capacity in 2023-24.
With significant increases in solar and wind energy generation capacity, Gujarats renewable power generation capacity reached 7,739.67 million units (MU) in April-May 2023, representing a notable 23% increase compared to the same period last year when it stood at 6,288.61MU.
Notably, Gujarat is also pioneering the field of green hydrogen. The state cabinet recently approved a draft land allocation policy for green hydrogen projects. Over 1.99 lakh hectares of land have been designated for five key private sector players seeking to venture into green hydrogen manufacturing.