By Dr Mohit Tantia
Rajasthan has emerged as a prime destination for solar energy investment, not just in India, but globally. With an impressive installed capacity of 22,860 MW, the state now ranks first in the country in solar energy production. As India pushes toward its ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, Rajasthan is set to play a pivotal role. The state’s potential solar generation capacity is estimated at 142 GW, underscoring the immense investment opportunities in this sector.
Rajasthan’s vast desert stretches—spanning 208,110 sq km—are bathed in sunshine for over 320 days a year. This includes regions like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner, where the intensity of solar radiation provides a perfect environment for large-scale solar projects. With an average solar radiation of 6-7 kWh/m²/day, the state is a prime location for expanding solar energy infrastructure, making it a beacon for both domestic and foreign investors.
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In 2023, Rajasthan’s installed solar capacity crossed the 18 GW mark, securing its position as the country’s leader in solar power generation. The flat desert lands are ideal for establishing large solar farms, and the state’s vast ‘Land Bank’—the largest in India—further strengthens its position as a hub for solar energy.
Recognising the potential, Rajasthan’s current administration, under chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma, has made energy self-reliance a cornerstone of its development strategy. To attract global investment, the state government is organizing the “Rising Rajasthan-2024” global investors’ summit in December. Solar energy will be a key focus, as Rajasthan seeks to capitalize on its geographic advantages and further its rapid growth in the sector.
The speed at which Rajasthan has developed its solar sector in the last few years is remarkable. In FY12, the state’s installed solar power capacity was just 193.50 MW. By the end of 2023, it had surged to 15,195.12 MW.”
The transformation is visible to both residents and tourists alike. Visitors passing through the desert areas of Bikaner,
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