The Gujarat government introduced its Renewable Energy Policy-2023, aiming to achieve 50% of its power generation from renewable sources by 2030. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel unveiled the policy in Gandhinagar alongside Energy Minister Kanubhai Desai. This policy will be effective until 2028 and is poised to attract investments totalling nearly Rs 5 lakh crore in the renewable energy sector. The state anticipates harnessing 36 GW of solar and 143 GW of wind capacity.

The policy encompasses various projects, including ground-mounted solar, rooftop solar, floating solar, canal top solar, wind, rooftop wind, and wind-solar hybrid initiatives. Approximately 4 lakh acres of land are expected to be utilised for these renewable energy plants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070 through the increased use of green energy sources aligns with this policy. The benefits offered under this policy will extend to projects for 25 years from the commissioning date or their lifespan, whichever comes first.

The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) will serve as the nodal agency for project registration, validation, commissioning certificates, and monthly progress reports. Notably, there are no restrictions on the capacity for setting up renewable energy projects concerning consumers' contracted demand. Settlement of renewable energy power against consumer consumption will occur based on billing cycles.

Consumers will have the option to install small-scale rooftop wind projects under this policy, with choices between net metering and gross metering. Additionally, the policy will support offshore wind projects and enable wind turbine generator (WTG) manufacturers and renewable energy developers to install prototype WTGs.

Furthermore, the policy facilitates the conversion of existing installed wind power plants or stand-alone solar power plants into hybrid projects. Residential customers will not incur banking charges on consumed solar power, while other customers will be subject to banking charges determined by GERC.

Source: Business Standard