Gujarat is blazing a trail in the renewable energy sector as it ramps up its installed capacity, solidifying its position as a leader in India’s clean energy transition. Recently, Gujarat outshone Tamil Nadu with the highest wind energy installations in the country. Data from the Union ministry of new and renewable energy reveals that Gujarat boasts an impressive installed capacity of 10.41 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, surpassing Chennai’s 10.12GW capacity. In fact, this accounts for a remarkable 51.3% of the state’s total renewable energy capacity, including biopower and solar power.
With this, wind energy has taken the lead over solar energy installations in Gujarat. The state boasts an additional 9.68GW of solar installations, along with 0.11GW of biopower generation capacity and 91.64MW of small hydro power.
“The Centre has set a target of 500GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030. Gujarat has consistently been at the forefront of this sector, with aggressive installations in wind and solar energy generation. Enhanced incentives for adoption in residential and industrial sectors are among the key factors driving this rapid growth. To achieve the 500GW target, a diverse mix of solar, wind, and other renewable energies is essential,” explains Jaideep Malaviya, a renewable energy consultant.
While Gujarat has long been a pioneer in solar installations, it currently ranks second to Rajasthan in terms of cumulative solar installations in India. However, Gujarat shows no signs of slowing down, as the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) recently announced plans to add 10GW of fresh renewable energy capacity in 2023-24.
A senior GUVNL official shares, “Our goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based energy, and we have ambitious plans for renewable energy installations. We aim to add 10GW of renewable energy capacity in the current fiscal year, to be installed within the next two years. In the first quarter of 2023-24, we have already initiated the process for 5GW of renewable energy. We have already signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 860MW, and other tender processes are underway. Gujarat has maintained its position as a leading state in renewable energy, and we believe that the new 10GW capacity will further strengthen our position.”
