Gujarat is emerging as a leader in India's solar energy sector, with an installed capacity of 14.7 GW, making it the second highest state in the country with solar energy. The state's total renewable energy capacity stands at 27.8 GW, and ambitious plans aim to add 31.9 GW of solar-wind hybrid projects. These details were shared by Arun Mahesh Babu, Managing Director of Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL) and Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL).
Babu highlighted Gujarat's solar and wind energy projects, which will play an important role in helping India meet its national target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. Projects such as the Raghanesda Solar Park (700 MW) and Charanka Solar Park (730 MW), both developed on repurposed wasteland, have reduced solar energy tariffs to €2.64 per kWh.
In addition to solar energy, Gujarat is making progress in green hydrogen production, setting aside 262,000 hectares for future projects. The state aims to generate 130 GW of renewable energy for green hydrogen production, further advancing clean energy initiatives.
Babu also showed off Modhera, India's first solar-powered village, powered by a 6 MW solar power plant and a 15 MWh battery energy storage system. The project has reduced electricity bills by 90%, demonstrating the viability of solar energy in combination with storage solutions.
Looking ahead, Gujarat's aggressive expansion into renewable energy is in line with India's goal of meeting 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. With a compound annual growth rate of 26% in solar energy, the state is poised to play a major role in making sustainable energy a reality. this national goal.