After having lost out its numero uno position to Rajasthan in solar power space, Gujarat seems to have further lagged behind in capacity addition.
The home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been promoting solar energy in a big way, could add only 24 MW of solar power generation capacity during June 2015 to January 2016. As against this, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu added more than 200 MW in the same period.
As per data released by the Union ministry of new and renewable energy, Gujarat added 24 MW of total commissioned capacity (grid connected) to 1024.15 MW as on January 14, 2016, as against 1000.05 MW on May 29, 2015. During the period, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh added 216.9 MW, 270.96 MW and 115 MW respectively.
“In case of Gujarat, the aggression for solar energy is missing. Despite Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) and state government’s decision, even no-objection certificates (NOC) are not being issued to installed projects (both roof top and off-grid solar power projects) by state discoms such as Uttar Gujarat Vij Company,” said Pranav Mehta, co-chairman, Global Solar Council, an international solar energy body representing 120 solar countries.
Rajasthan, relatively a late entrant in solar power generation, has raced ahead Gujarat. “State after state is getting aggressive for the spread and growth of solar. Rajasthan has reduced open access charges by 50% to attract investment and the policy is yielding results for Rajasthan,” added Mehta, who is also the chairman the chairman of National Solar Energy Federation of India.Experts also complained that new solar power policy is not being implemented properly in Gujarat, whereas states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh offer better incentives and cheaper land.When contacted, state government officials explained that Gujarat distribution companies are already purchasing more solar power than mandated by electricity regulatory authority to meet their renewable power purchase obligation. Hence, the discoms have no appetite for further solar power consumption and consequently no fresh agreements are being entered into. The situation will prevail for a year or so till discom’s consumption goes up.
“In case of Gujarat, the aggression for solar energy is missing. Despite Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) and state government’s decision, even no-objection certificates (NOC) are not being issued to installed projects (both roof top and off-grid solar power projects) by state discoms such as Uttar Gujarat Vij Company,” said Pranav Mehta, co-chairman, Global Solar Council, an international solar energy body representing 120 solar countries.Rajasthan, relatively a late entrant in solar power generation, has raced ahead Gujarat. “State after state is getting aggressive for the spread and growth of solar. Rajasthan has reduced open access charges by 50% to attract investment and the policy is yielding results for Rajasthan,” added Mehta, who is also the chairman the chairman of National Solar Energy Federation of India.
Experts also complained that new solar power policy is not being implemented properly in Gujarat, whereas states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh offer better incentives and cheaper land.When contacted, state government officials explained that Gujarat distribution companies are already purchasing more solar power than mandated by electricity regulatory authority to meet their renewable power purchase obligation. Hence, the discoms have no appetite for further solar power consumption and consequently no fresh agreements are being entered into. The situation will prevail for a year or so till discom’s consumption goes up.
Source:TOI
