Green energy push: Gujarat to install solar systems on roofs of government buildings

Gujarat government has announced plans to install 48 MW of rooftop solar PV systems on various government buildings in fiscal 2024-25, as part of ongoing efforts to promote renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on traditional fuels.

The state Climate Change Department has allocated Rs 177.4 crore to facilitate the installation.

“The state has already achieved success in its solar energy initiatives. As of March 2024, over 3,000 government buildings have been equipped with rooftop solar systems with a combined capacity of 56.8 MW. With an estimated solar energy potential of over 36 GW, Gujarat is emerging as a leader in renewable energy generation. By expanding solar projects and infrastructure, Gujarat is not only meeting the energy needs of its citizens but also contributing to environmental sustainability and economic growth,” the officials shared.

In 2023-24, the state produced 24,765.3 million units (MU) of renewable energy, of which 9,637 MU came from solar and 14,201 MU from wind. These efforts have put Gujarat at the forefront of India’s green energy revolution, which is being fuelled by projects like the successful Charanka Solar Park.

In June 2024, Gujarat received the ‘1st Rank’ award for the highest installed wind capacity in India, surpassing Tamil Nadu, at a ceremony organised in New Delhi by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The award was presented at the ‘Pawan – Urja: Powering the Future of India’ event, commemorating Global Wind Day.

As of May 2024, Gujarat leads the state with installed wind capacity of 11,823 MW, followed by Tamil Nadu (10,743 MW) and Karnataka (6,312 MW).

Gujarat also boasts of a solar capacity of 14,182 MW, second only to Rajasthan (22,180 MW). With a total renewable energy capacity of 28,200 MW, Gujarat ranks first among the states.

(Based on information from IANS)