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Since its inception, the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has been instrumental in implementing Gujarat’s Renewable Energy Policy 2023, enabling the state to achieve an impressive 29 GW of renewable energy capacity— the highest among all states in India.

With its multifaceted approach, GEDA focuses on expanding capacity and ensuring environmental sustainability. The agency has played a crucial role in helping Gujarat catalyze India’s Panchamrit target of generating 50 per cent of its total energy from renewable sources, the first state in India to do so. Ajay Prakash emphasises, “We aim to compete with other countries and be a world leader in wind and solar energy. Gujarat has already achieved the Panchamrit target of generating 50% of its total energy from renewable sources, again a first in India.”

TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, and GEDA is tackling it head-on through mitigation and adaptation measures. A notable example is the successful implementation of the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme in energy-intensive industries across Gujarat, resulting in savings of 3.315 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE). These efforts are complemented by collaborations with prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indian Institute of Management (IIM), and Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) to conduct studies that lead to actionable outcomes for sustainability. Furthermore, GEDA’s climate change awareness programs in schools and colleges across Gujarat aim to sensitize younger generations towards environmental challenges, fostering a sustainability culture from the ground up.

ECONOMIC VIABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

While renewable energy projects are inherently sustainable, GEDA ensures that each project undergoes rigorous scrutiny to guarantee environmental and economic viability. The decreasing tariffs for renewable energy—now more competitive than conventional energy sources—indicate the economic benefits of investing in green energy. According to the MD, “The fact that the tariffs have become cheaper than conventional energy sources speaks volumes about the economic viability of the projects.” This supports energy security and opens up vast business opportunities in the sector, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders. GEDA’s strategic focus on sustainable growth has enabled the state to develop a robust renewable energy ecosystem that balances profit with ecological responsibility.

EXPANDING SOLAR ENERGY IN GUJARAT

Solar energy is a key pillar of state’s renewable strategy, with GEDA spearheading diverse projects from largescale solar parks to decentralised rooftop installations. The state leads the country in rooftop solar installations, accounting for 64% of India’s total. The state has also explored innovative solar solutions like agro-solar PV and canal-top solar projects, maximizing available land and water resources. Shri Ajay Prakash, IAS, Director, GEDA highlights, “Apart from solar rooftops, smaller solutions such as solar water heaters, solar cookers, and solar street lights have also been implemented widely.” These diverse solar initiatives enhance the state’s energy efficiency and serve as scalable models for other regions aiming to boost their solar capacity.

MAJOR SOLAR PROJECTS AND INSIGHTS:

• Rooftop Solar Leadership: Rooftop solar installations account for 64% of India’s total, showcasing the state’s commitment to decentralized energy generation.
• Innovative Solutions: Projects like agro-solar PV and canal-top solar installations represent innovative steps toward maximizing the state’s solar potential
• Scalable Models: The success of these initiatives provides replicable models for other regions, emphasizing scalability and adaptability.

VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IN GUJARAT

According to Ajay Prakash, the aim of GEDA, in the near future is that almost all of Gujarat’s electricity requirements should be met by renewable sources. This high-order target is in tune with the overall national goals that India has tried to achieve regarding renewable energy. Recent studies commissioned by GEDA show that the capacity of Gujarat’s renewable energy is much greater than it was believed earlier. GEDA thus proposes to cash in on this untapped potential by knitting together many key stakeholders, industry leaders, academic institutions, government bodies, and climate-aware citizens in a broad-based effort at developing renewable infrastructure. Economic viability and environmental sustainability have formed the fulcrum of the agency’s strategy for creating an enabling ecosystem that guarantees the growth of renewable energy.

In this regard, a serious focus of GEDA’s future strategy will be to achieve Roundthe-clock renewable energy (RE-RTC) through investment in advanced battery storage projects. This is crucial for overcoming the intermittency issues of renewable energy sources like solar and wind and thus assures a continuous and dependable power supply throughout the day. By pushing for RE-RTC, GEDA is raising a new yardstick for Gujarat and the whole nation. The forward-looking approach will attract massive investments, drive innovations, and fast-track Gujarat’s journey as a global leader in clean energy. The agency’s vision is clear: to drive sustainable growth by harnessing the full potential of renewable resources, thereby setting a model for other states to emulate.

RE-INVEST 2024: A GAME-CHANGER FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

RE-INVEST 2024 is a significant event for the renewable energy sector, gathering key players to set a forward-looking vision for India’s green energy future. With Gujarat hosting this edition, the spotlight is on the state’s dynamic role in advancing renewable energy. Ajay Prakash views this as a moment of pride and a signal of Gujarat’s leadership in the sector. He expects that the event will provide a major boost to the renewable energy landscape in Gujarat, energizing the industry and setting the stage for innovations and investments that will further solidify the state’s position as a renewable energy leader

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