Rajasthan Government Targets 30 GW Solar Power Production by FY25 End.

The Rajasthan government has set an ambitious goal to produce 30 gigawatts (GW) of solar power by the end of FY25, aiming to enhance the state's energy security and reduce dependency on imported fuels, according to an official statement. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's vision aligns with the broader goal of a self-reliant India.

In March, the government and NLC India signed an agreement to form a joint venture, investing over Rs 7,000 crore to establish a 1,000 megawatt (MW) solar power plant and a 125 MW lignite-based power plant in Bikaner.

To further its energy self-sufficiency goals, the government recently approved land for four major solar projects. These include three solar parks in Bikaner with a combined capacity of 2,450 MW and a 500 MW project in Phalodi. These initiatives are expected to transform Rajasthan into an energy powerhouse, attract investments worth Rs 10,000 crore, and promote sustainable development.

Rajasthan is already a leading state in solar energy production, with an estimated output of 142 GW. With electricity demand rising by 8-10 percent annually, the government aims to source 43 percent of its power consumption from solar energy by 2030. Last year, the state installed solar power plants with a total capacity of 15,195 MW.

The state is also bolstering the PM Kusum Solar pump scheme, aiming to install solar pumps in over 50,000 farms and generate 200 MW of electricity in the coming years. This initiative will provide substantial financial support to farmers, particularly benefiting scheduled castes and tribes through subsidies and other benefits.

Overall, these efforts promote renewable energy adoption and play a crucial role in energizing the agriculture sector in Rajasthan through the rollout of solar pumps.

BS