40-GW hybrid capacity: Promise of power

To overcome the hurdle of land availability for renewable energy (RE) projects, the Union government has on its radar territory along the International Border with Pakistan, having drawn up a plan to install 40 GW of solar-wind hybrid projects in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. While the capacity of the projects, at a distance of 20-25 km from the border, would be subsequently raised, the first phase would see 30 GW capacity being set up in Gujarat and 10 GW in Rajasthan.

Sources told FE the plan was set into motion after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the RE potential of the border areas, stressing that such projects could also help generate drinking water for people living in the arid desert region. To that end, the government will be working on the technology through which wind turbines can condense water.