AHMEDABAD: To raise the contribution of renewable energy in overall electricity generation within the state, the Gujarat government plans to add 3,000 MW of renewable power generation capacity every year till 2022, which includes 1,000 MW from wind and 2,000 MW solar energy sources.
Renewable energy currently constitutes around 28% of total 27,200 MW installed power generation capacity in Gujarat. “In order to meet our renewable purchase obligation (RPO) of 17% by 2022, we plan to add 1,000 MW and 2,000 MW from wind and solar every year till 2022,” said Pankaj Joshi, managing director, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL).
RPO is the minimum percentages of the total power that electricity distribution companies and some large power consumers need to purchase from renewable energy (RE) sources. To meet its RPO target, GUVNL purchases electricity from private and public sector renewable power project developers at tariffs reached through competitive bidding.
“GUVNL will soon invite bids for 1,000 MW solar power projects to be developed in the first phase of 5,000 MW Dholera Solar Park. Also, a tender for procurement of power from solar and wind hybrid projects will also be floated in the near future,” added Joshi.
To promote renewable power, state energy and petrochemicals department has organised a seminar on “Renewable Energy Opportunities in Gujarat and India” on January 20 as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019.
“Since the first Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2003, more than 100 large investments in renewable energy sector have fructified within the state. These investments total over Rs 40,000 crore,” said Raj Gopal, additional chief secretary, energy and petrochemicals department, government of Gujarat.
Apart from renewable energy, defence and aerospace is yet another focus area for the state government, which has organised a special plenary meet and seminar on the opportunities for industry in defence and aerospace on January 18. The seminar will bring together senior policymakers from the government of India, defence personnel, industry leaders and academic experts to deliberate on the emerging opportunities in the Indian aerospace and defence sector.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes
