Rajasthan’s solar strategy: Policies, infra, global investments & the road to 500 GW by 2030

Rajasthan is rapidly cementing its place as India’s undisputed leader in solar energy—and the latest validation comes from Arti Dogra, Chairman, Discoms and Managing Director, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitran Nigam Ltd, who underscored the state’s pioneering role not only in solar power generation but also in fostering an investor-friendly ecosystem for renewable energy. Her insights arrive at a critical juncture when the global community is contending with energy insecurity, climate challenges, and an urgent demand for clean, affordable power. With its expansive stretches of sun-drenched terrain and forward-looking policies, Rajasthan is positioning itself as a premier destination for clean energy investment, innovation, and infrastructure development.Dogra highlighted the strategic advantages that give Rajasthan an edge over other Indian states. Chief among them is the state’s exceptional solar irradiance—over 300 days of sunlight annually—making it naturally suited for solar power generation. However, she stressed that geography alone is not the reason behind Rajasthan’s ascendancy. The real differentiator, she noted, has been the state’s proactive policy framework. From streamlining project approvals to ensuring robust grid connectivity and allocating land banks for utility-scale solar parks, Rajasthan has laid a strong institutional foundation for accelerated energy development.The scale of Rajasthan’s solar ambitions is unmatched in India. With mega-projects operational in regions like Bhadla, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer, and several more in the pipeline, the state has already surpassed 19,000 MW of installed solar capacity as of early 2025. The Bhadla Solar Park, among the largest in the world, stands as a global emblem of India’s renewable energy aspirations—and Rajasthan’s central role in realizing them.

Edited excerpts: Rajasthan has become a major destination for solar energy investment. What factors have contributed to this success?

What sets Rajasthan apart is its ability to attract international investment in solar energy. The state’s stable regulatory framework, access to transmission infrastructure, and aggressive bidding policies have played a crucial role in drawing the attention of foreign investors and institutional financiers.We already have large-scale projects underway from countries such as the UAE, France, and Japan—and many more are expected to be signed during upcoming energy summits. With the Government of India aiming to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030, Rajasthan is poised to play a central role in meeting that target.

What kind of impact is solar energy development having on rural areas in Rajasthan?

The solar push in Rajasthan is not just about capacity or megawatts. It’s also about transforming rural economies. Solar plant installations, both large and small, are creating new livelihood opportunities in remote desert regions where traditional employment avenues have been limited.I’ve seen cases where the development of solar parks has directly improved local infrastructure—better roads, more reliable electricity, and even ancillary services in nearby villages. Many local residents are now employed in the operation, maintenance, and logistics associated with these plants. This grassroots empowerment makes Rajasthan’s solar revolution both economically and socially inclusive.

How is Rajasthan working to maintain its leadership in renewable energy in the long run?

The state’s capacity to maintain its leadership position lies in its commitment to technological innovation and sustainable growth models. The future lies in hybrid energy systems that integrate solar with wind and storage, and Rajasthan is already moving in that direction.Several developers are currently working on solar-wind hybrid projects in the western districts. In parallel, we are exploring battery storage infrastructure to enable round-the-clock renewable energy supply. On the urban front, the state energy department is promoting rooftop solar adoption and rolling out schemes to make solar power accessible to households and small businesses.

What kind of investment model supports this large-scale transformation without putting stress on public finances?

Rajasthan has adopted a public-private partnership model that focuses on minimizing risk and maximizing transparency. The state facilitates land allocation and infrastructure development, while private companies invest in generation capacity.We’ve put in place competitive, tariff-based bidding processes that not only reduce the cost of solar power but also ensure a level playing field. Additionally, we’ve streamlined the single-window clearance system for energy projects. This has significantly reduced bureaucratic delays and has made Rajasthan a preferred destination for investors who value ease of doing business in the energy sector.

How does this tie into Rajasthan’s broader strategic goals in the energy sector?

Rajasthan’s success is not just about meeting energy capacity goals—it’s part of a much larger strategic vision. We aim to become a net exporter of clean energy. Given our vast solar generation potential, we’ve already started supplying power to the national grid, helping other states meet their renewable energy targets.We see energy exports as a future economic driver for the state, much like tourism and mining have been in the past. With investment in transmission corridors and inter-state grid integration, Rajasthan is laying the foundation for long-term energy trade and financial stability.

Environmental sustainability must be a consideration in this expansion. How is Rajasthan balancing growth with ecology?Environmental sustainability is at the core of this entire endeavor. We are fully aware of the need to balance development with ecological preservation. All solar projects are planned with environmental impact assessments in place. We also take care to avoid the displacement of communities and to preserve biodiversity.

We’re promoting innovations like agrivoltaics, where solar panels are installed above agricultural fields. This allows dual land use—farmers can continue cultivating crops while generating solar power. For us, a sustainable energy model must be environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable.

Any final thoughts on Rajasthan’s role in India’s energy future?I believe Rajasthan’s leadership in solar energy will benefit not only the state but also set a powerful example for the rest of the country. Through innovation, investment, and inclusive development, we are showing that clean energy can be a catalyst for deep transformation.

I invite entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across India and the world to explore the immense potential Rajasthan offers in the clean energy landscape. We are not just generating power—we are generating possibilities, hope, and a sustainable future for generations to come.

• By Mahima jain ,
• ETGovernment

• Published On Apr 18, 2025 at 12:56 PM IST