Is there any commonality between the state of Rajasthan, California, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona? The answer is YES. It may not be in terms of culture or language, but it is similar in one respect— the state is endowed with 300 to 330 clear sunny days. Studies have shown that solar radiation in the state is comparable to deserts of California, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona. The dry hot weather in summer may make people uncomfortable but the same factor augurs well for those industries which are keen to set up solar industries in this state and generate solar energy in Rajasthan. This is why the Govt of Rajasthan is keen to make this state one of the best Solar Hubs in India.
In fact the state is exploring to provide long-term viability and certainty to build up of solar energy generation and manufacturing platforms. To achieve this, solar park at Bhadala, Tehsil Phadoli in Jodhpur district is being developed.
The Govt of Rajasthan aims at developing Rajasthan as a global solar hub of 10,000-12,000 Megawatt capacity over the next 12 years to meet energy requirements. Also the pipeline commitments of generation projects ushers a significant business opportunity for solar component manufacturing.
“We are committed to making Rajasthan a power surplus state. Rajasthan’s progress in the renewable energy sector is noteworthy. Power generation capacity in the state through non-conventional sources— wind and biomass has reached 1891 megawatts. The government of Rajasthan is determined to developing the state as a big solar energy hub for making Rajasthan the leading state in solar energy” said the Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at the Seminar on Solar Energy which was organized during the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Jaipur in Rajasthan.
In fact taking advantage of the strategic location and favourable geographical conditions, the Govt of Rajasthan has taken many steps in this sector, one of which is announcement of Solar Energy Policy 2011. The main objectives of this policy are promoting & setting up of private sector solar projects and achieving maximum production of solar energy under Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission. The solar policy provides for allotment of govt land to investors setting up solar power projects in Rajasthan at concessional rate of 10 per cent of the DLC rates. Besides the policy also provides for exemption from payment on electricity duty for captive use, conversion of private land at 10 per cent of regular conversion charges and treatment of solar power plants in India as eligible industry under Industry Department’s schemes for incentives to them.
