Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi shows confidence in states’ commitment for adding RE capacity; cites 'need of time'

Union minister of new and renewable energy Pralhad Joshi

The Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, showed confidence in states’ commitment towards setting up additional renewable energy capacity by 2030, saying green energy is the "need of the time."

The state governments submitted Shapat Patras (or pledges) to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for adding a total of 540 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, said Joshi on September 17 addressing a press conference at RE-Invest in Gandhinagar.

“States have committed additional capacity voluntarily. For example, some of the states want to export steel. If they want to export steel, European and Western countries are going to introduce carbon tax in coming time. So, everybody wants to go as per the need of the time,” said Joshi.

Indian states and union territories (UTs) on September 16 committed RE capacity addition to support the country’s target of 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. Gujarat pledged additional renewable energy capacity addition of 128.60 gigawatts (GW) by 2030—the highest among all the other states. Andhra Pradesh committed adding 72.60 GW of capacity followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh which pledged 62.73 GW, 57.71 GW and 47.63 GW, respectively.

Banks and financial institutions have committed to additional $386 billion, or Rs 32.45 lakh crore, of financing by 2030 for the development of the projects.

Addressing media, the minister also enlisted achievements of MNRE during the first 100 days of the new government. Joshi said 6 GW of renewable energy capacity was commissioned during June to August period, exceeding the target of 4.5 GW. The country achieved non-fossil installed capacity of 207.76 GW while under the rooftop solar scheme, 3.56 lakh rooftop solar systems were installed in the first 100 days, he added.

The minister also talked about India’s collaboration with Germany for cooperation in the renewable energy sector, informing the launch of a joint platform by the countries to drive global investments in the sector.