Newly introduced Solar Policy: A road-map for clean energy

Restating its commitment towards promotion of renewable energy, the Government of Rajasthan introduced a progressive Solar Policy which aims to drive forward reforms and prepare the State for Renewable energy integration in partnership with the private sector. Today, the need of the hour is to develop means of producing sustainable ongoing energy that meet the demands of the current population without compromising the conditions for the future generations. Renewable energy is the best option and offers numerous benefits in the short, medium and long terms. Solar energy is the most readily available source of renewable energy and is the most important of the non-conventional source. India receives solar energy equivalent to over 5000 trillion kWh/year, which is far more than the total energy consumption of the country. Rajasthan situated in the sunniest zones of India is best poised to harness the tremendous power of solar energy. The Government of Rajasthan is playing an active role in realizing State's renewable energy potential and many steps have been taken to integrate renewable energy as a more significant part of Rajasthan's energy mix. Among the most important steps being taken by the Government for promotion of renewable energy, the progressive Solar Policy aims to drive forward reforms and prepare the State for Renewable energy integration in partnership with the private sector.

Major Objectives of the Policy Developing a global hub of solar power of 10000-12000 MW capacity in next 10-12 years to meet energy requirements Productive use of abundant wastelands, thereby utilizing the non-industrialized desert area for creation of an industrial hub Creating favorable conditions to solar manufacturing capabilities by providing fiscal incentives Generating large direct and indirect employment opportunities in solar and allied industries

Creating an R&D hub for deployment of various combinations of solar power technologies To achieve the grid parity in next 7-8 years Establishment of an industrial set-up involving both domestic and foreign manpower participation

Create a solar centre of excellence

Opportunities in the Solar Energy Sector: Grid Interactive Solar Power Projects Government has sanctioned two Solar Power Projects of 5 MW Capacity under the Government of India guidelines for Generation Based Incentive for Grid Interactive Solar Power Generation Projects Rajasthan State has sanctioned 66 MW solar power projects in compliance of the RERC's orders Development of 50 MW SPV and 50 MW Solar Thermal Power Plants Setting up of Solar Power Plants under National Solar Mission (NSM) Setting up of Solar Power Plants in Rajasthan for direct sale to Discoms of Rajasthan Utility Grid Power Projects for Captive use /direct sale to 3rd Party/States other than Rajasthan Utility Grid Power Projects for sale through RE (Solar) Certificate Mechanism Setting up of Solar Power Plant for promotion of manufacturing facilities in the State

Development of Solar Parks in State The Government will develop Solar Parks of more than 1000 MW capacity in identified areas of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Barmer districts. The State Government will provide the necessary infrastructure, regulatory and other Government support required through the Nodal Agency to rapidly ramp up Solar Power generation capacity in the State. The State will extend all facilities and fiscal incentives provided by Central Government/ National Solar Mission to manufacturers in Solar Parks. RREC will act as a Nodal Agency for development of Solar Parks in Rajasthan. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) in form of a subsidiary company of RREC will be established for development of infrastructure and management of Solar Park. The State will evolve a separate special package of additional fiscal incentives for solar based industries in Solar Park in consultation with Finance Department & Industries Department, Govt. of Rajasthan.

Incentives and Support Mechanism for Encouraging Solar Plant Exemption from Electricity Duty Grant of incentives available to industrial units shall be available to the Solar Power Producers as well Availability of Water for Power Generation Reservation of land to be completed within 30 days Allotment of Govt. land for the Solar Power project Procurement of Private land for Solar Power Project/Solar Manufacturing plant Power Purchase Agreement; Third party sale/captive use/sale to other States through Open Access Open Access for Third Party Sale