RAJASTHAN RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY – 2023

Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023, issued by the Government of Rajasthan. This policy aims to promote renewable energy and its integration with the grid, with a focus on clean and green energy to address global warming and climate change concerns. It also aims to support stakeholders in the renewable energy sector while protecting consumer interests. The document highlights the potential of solar energy in the state due to its intense solar radiation and available land, as well as the importance of aligning electric vehicle charging with renewable energy systems. The wind power potential of the state has also been assessed.

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023 outlines several measures to promote solar energy in the state of Rajasthan. These measures include:

1. Promotion of Solar Power Projects for sale of power to DISCOMs of Rajasthan: The policy aims to promote the setting up of solar power projects for the sale of power to DISCOMs of Rajasthan. This will help fulfill the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) target set by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC).
2. Solar Power Projects sanctioned under guidelines/schemes of MNRE: The policy promotes the setting up of Solar Power Projects under the guidelines and schemes of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
3. Solar Power Projects for captive use: The policy encourages the establishment of solar power projects for captive use. This includes projects within the premises of a consumer of Rajasthan as well as projects outside the premises of a consumer of Rajasthan.
4. Promotion of small Decentralized Grid Connected Solar Power Projects at load centers: The policy aims to promote the development of small decentralized grid-connected solar power projects at load centers.
5. Promotion of Rooftop Solar Projects through Net Metering and Gross Metering mechanism: The policy promotes rooftop solar projects through net metering and gross metering mechanisms as per the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 and relevant regulations/orders issued by RERC/CERC.
6. Promotion of Off-Grid Solar applications: The policy encourages the promotion and incentivization of off-grid solar applications such as solar water pumps, home lighting systems, and water heaters.
7. Development of Solar Parks/UMREPPs: The policy focuses on the development of solar parks and Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) in the state.
8. Strengthening of Transmission and Distribution Network for Renewable Energy: The policy emphasizes the strengthening of the transmission and distribution network to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
9. Promotion of manufacturing industries of solar/Wind energy equipment and storage systems: The policy aims to attract investors to set up renewable energy equipment manufacturing facilities by promoting a manufacturing ecosystem.

These measures are part of the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023, and are designed to promote the adoption and utilization of solar energy in the state.

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer several environmental benefits compared to fossil fuel-based vehicles. Some of these benefits include:

1. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
2. Air pollution reduction: EVs do not emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which contribute to air pollution and respiratory diseases.
3. Energy efficiency: EVs are more energy-efficient than internal combustion engine vehicles, as they convert a higher percentage of the energy from the grid to power at the wheels.
4. Renewable energy integration: EVs can be charged using electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. This allows for the integration of clean energy into the transportation sector, further reducing carbon emissions.

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023 addresses the integration of EVs with renewable energy systems in the following ways:

1. Charging infrastructure development: The policy promotes the development of EV charging infrastructure as per the guidelines and standards issued by the Ministry of Power and Central Electricity Authority.
2. Renewable energy generation for charging stations: Charging station service providers are encouraged to set up renewable energy generation plants within their premises for captive use. They can also draw renewable power through open access from generation plants located within the state.
3. Research and development support: The policy supports research and development activities related to the promotion and use of renewable energy by EV charging stations. It also focuses on studying the impact of EV charging infrastructure on the grid.

Overall, the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023 aims to promote the use of renewable energy for charging EVs, thereby enhancing the environmental benefits of electric transportation. 

The document mentions that the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), Government of India, has assessed the wind power potential of Rajasthan to be 284 GW at a height of 150 metres. This indicates that Rajasthan has a significant potential for wind energy generation.

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023 outlines several initiatives and project provisions related to solar energy and wind projects. Here are some key points:

Solar Energy:

• Promotion of solar power projects under the guidelines/schemes of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) or through competitive bidding by other state utilities/entities.
• Encouragement of solar power projects for captive use within the premises of a consumer in Rajasthan.
• Promotion of solar power projects for captive use outside the premises of a consumer in Rajasthan.
• Provision for registration of solar power projects under the policy, with a requirement to apply for in-principle clearance within 2 years from the date of registration.

Wind Energy:

• Promotion of wind power projects for captive use or third-party sale within the state of Rajasthan.
• Allowance for setting up wind power projects of any capacity for captive use or third-party sale outside the state or through the power exchange.
• Repowering of existing wind turbines that have completed at least 10 years in operation, following the guidelines/policies issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Hybridization:

• Promotion of hybridization of wind and solar technologies to minimise variability and optimise utilisation of infrastructure, including land and transmission systems.
• Encouragement of hybrid projects and hybridization of existing wind and solar power plants.
• Requirement for appropriate capacity storage systems to match the demand curve with the generation profile of wind-solar hybrid power projects.