Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani (Right), Deputy Chief Minister Nitinbhai Patel (Left) (Sonu Mehta/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)In a big push for use of renewable and solar energy, four state-owned distribution companies (discoms) in Gujarat have signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 3,979 small-scale distributed solar projects with an aggregate capacity of 2,500 MWs, reports Livemint.
These small scale distributed solar projects will be completed and commissioned within the next 18 months, and will also bring in an investment of Rs 10,000 crore in the State. State's Energy Minister Saurabh Patel said that the development is a symbol of the State's commitment to promote renewable energy.
As per information shared by Patel, Gujarat is the only State in the country to have signed PPAs for such a large capacity through such small-scale distributed solar projects. He added this will facilitate the rapid development of solar projects in areas with non-fertile land, and also encourage the participation of small investors and entrepreneurs.
It should be noted that the State Government had in 2019 notified the Policy for Development of Small-Scale Distributed Solar Projects. Under the policy, the State Government aims to facilitate the development of solar projects with the size of 0.5-4 MWs in the state's distribution network.
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.