The Sun is bright in Gujarat

Started with Solar Power Policy (2009), Government of Gujarat has shown keen interest in harnessing Solar Energy. The state of Gujarat shown significant leadership in industrial development and now it is on the verge of becoming highest solar energy harnessing state in the country. The state is blessed with high solar radiation (Min 300 clear-sky days/Year). Large barren and wasteland area creates opportunity to encourage solar power generation which further help socio-economic development of the region. Government of Gujarat identified this potential to transform its land into an ‘Integrated Solar Generation Hub’ for the nation.

Solar Power Policy (2009) has following objectives; (GEDA)

• Promoting generation of green and clean power in the State using solar energy.
• To put in place an appropriate investment climate, that could leverage the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
• Productive use of the wastelands, thereby engendering a socio economic transformation.
• Employment generation and skill enhancement of local youth.
• Promotion   of R & D and facilitation of technology transfer.
• Establish core technical competence in professional in the state to initiate ans sustain use and effective management of newer application
• Promotion of local manufacturing facilities.
• Creation of environmental consciousness among citizens

Strong commitments towards developing renewable energy sector along with combating climate change, Government of Gujarat allotted 716 MW of Solar power projects to 34 national and international project developers against the 500 MW capacity declared under the Solar Power Policy -2009. This is the largest solar project allotment in the country. The list of the 34 project Developers with their capacity allotment is given in following table;

 Reference: GEDA