- Over 3,000 solar rooftop systems with a total capacity of 56.8 MW installed so far
- State government allocates ₹177 crore for solar rooftop installations this year
- Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat is taking a leading role in this effort
R ARIVANANTHAM
GANDHINAGAR, SEPT 8
Solar rooftop systems of 48 MW will be installed on various government buildings in Gujarat in the current financial year for which Rs 177 crore have been allocated, the state government said on Sunday.
To tap into Gujarat’s solar energy potential, the state Climate Change Department is actively installing such systems on government buildings, it said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led various initiatives to ensure that 50% of India’s electricity comes from renewable energy sources by 2030, reducing the nation’s dependence on conventional fuels. One notable achievement is the launch of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by Narendra Modi and the President of France at COP21 in Paris in 2015. This global initiative aims to promote solar energy across 121 countries.
In India, programs like Bharat Ujala Yojana, the National Solar Mission, Swacchh Bharat Abhiyan, and various green growth initiatives reflect the country’s commitment to environmentally sustainable development.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat is taking a leading role in this effort, a state government release said.
Over 3K solar rooftop systems now operational with 56.8 MW Capacity
Gujarat boasts a solar energy potential of over 36 GW. To tap into this resource, the state’s Climate Change Department is actively installing solar rooftops on government buildings.
“By March 2024, a total of 3,023 solar rooftop systems, generating a combined capacity of 56.8 MW, have been set up across various government departments in the state,” the government said in a release.
48 MW Solar Rooftop System to be installed in 2024-25
“To advance this initiative, a 48 MW solar rooftop system will be installed on government buildings throughout the state this year. The state government has allocated Rs 177.4 crore to support the project,” it said.
Gujarat’s Renewable Energy Generation: 24,765.3 MU in 2023-24
In 2023-24, Gujarat generated a total of 24,765.3 million units (MU) of renewable energy, including 9,637 MU from solar, 14,201 MU from wind, 885.325 MU from hydro, 69 MU from small hydro, and 42 MU from biomass and bagasse, it said.
“The state’s vast solar potential has been effectively utilised through the establishment of solar parks and the deployment of rooftop solar installations for households. Projects such as Charanka Solar Park have positioned Gujarat as a leader in solar energy generation in India,” the government said.
Coastal wind farms have also played a crucial role in enhancing the state’s renewable energy capacity, it said.
Fossil fuels dominate global energy consumption, but their availability is limited and their environmental impact is severe. To ensure a better future for coming generations, it is crucial to foster a clean environment. Gujarat has recognized this necessity and has actively embraced it by robustly implementing solar project infrastructure. By harnessing solar power as a key energy source, Gujarat effectively addresses the energy needs of its citizens, maintains environmental balance, and promotes economic development. This integrated approach positions Gujarat as a leader in sustainable development.
