Gujarat Plans to Add 20GW Renewable Energy Capacity in Kutch and Banaskantha.

The Gujarat state government is planning to expand its renewable energy infrastructure by exploring new areas in the northern region for the development of hybrid renewable energy parks with a cumulative capacity of 20 gigawatts (GW). These projects will be similar to the ongoing 30 GW hybrid park being constructed in Khavda, Kutch, near the international border with Pakistan, sources have revealed.

The 30 GW park in Kutch, once completed, will be the world’s largest renewable energy park. Gujarat already has several renewable energy parks, including the 730 MW solar park in Charanka, Patan district—the state's oldest. Additionally, a 1,000 MW solar park is being developed in Dholera, Ahmedabad, and a 750 MW Ultra Mega Solar Park is underway in Randhanesda, Banaskantha district.

As of August 2024, Gujarat has an installed renewable energy capacity of 29 GW, ranking second in India after Rajasthan, which leads with 30 GW. Gujarat’s renewable portfolio includes 14,745 MW of solar power and 12,163 MW of wind power. In terms of energy generation, Gujarat produced 43,039 million units (MUs) of renewable energy in 2023-24, a 20% increase from 35,895 MUs in 2022-23.

Despite this growth, Rajasthan remains the top state in renewable energy generation, producing 48,162 MUs in 2023-24, a 15% rise from the previous year. Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh followed, generating 39,499 MUs and 38,952 MUs, respectively, during the same period.

HBL