QUE: Discuss how Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy-2023 is helpful in achieving India’s renewable energy target.

A comprehensive RE policy that encourages the establishment of renewable generation projects based on wind, solar and wind-solar hybrid technologies. This policy will be applicable till the year 2028 or till notification of a new policy, whichever is earlier.

❖ How Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy-2023 will help in achieving India’s renewable target:

• The policy aims to achieve a target of 50% RE capacity by 2030. Which provides an opportunity to tap the maximum possible potential of the state’s renewable energy.
• Provisions have been made to attract participation of industries, MSMEs, institutions and consumers etc. to increase clean energy sources in the state.
• To provide quality, reliable and cost competitive renewable power with a conducive policy framework that will benefit consumers.
• To achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030.
• The government is to invest an estimated Rs. 5 lakh crore for this purpose and approximately 4,00,000 acres of land will be utilized.
• Any individual, company, corporate, association or group of individuals, artificial juristic person will be eligible to set up RE projects under the policy.
• Covers ground mounted solar, roof top solar, floating solar, canal top solar, wind, rooftop wind and wind-solar hybrid projects.
• A single web portal will be launched for ease of doing business.
• State government can allocate government fallow land at concessional rates for RE projects.
• RE projects are eligible for carbon credit benefits.
• The benefits under the policy will be applicable from the date of commissioning or for a period of 25 years of the life of the RE project.
• There is no restriction on the capacity for setting up RE power plants. All these benefits will encourage the development of renewable energy.

India currently ranks fourth in the world in renewable capacity. The policy of the Government of India and the collaborative approach of the Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy-2023 will make India first in the renewable sector.