India is working on a string of renewable energy projects along its sun-baked, wind-whipped western border, as India continues an ambitious programme to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Since the country is in economic slowdown, the government has tripled spending over the last three years as part of its push to cut down the use of oil and coal.
Anand Kumar, new and renewable energy secretary, said, “We are studying land feasibility and have identified projects worth 30 gigawatt capacity for Gujarat and 25 gigawatt capacity for Rajasthan.
Windy region was ideally suited to renewable energy facilities and the government had zeroed in on barren desert areas in a bid to avoid using agricultural land. Renewable energy projects are not feasible in agricultural or forest lands, said Amit Bhandari of Mumbai-based think tank Gateway House.
“Since most of these western border areas are wastelands or semi-desert, they are perfect for setting up these projects,” he said.
The project will be started in 18 months after approval from the defence ministry and following land feasibility studies. These projects will help reduce India’s carbon footprint and adhere to promises made at the 2015 Paris agreement.
Currently, India currently harnesses 23 per cent of its total power from renewable sources, including solar and wind.
It is important to mention here that India’s capacity had crossed 80 gigawatts and was on track to reach 175 gigawatts in three years’ time, as pledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Despite government’s efforts, private investment in the renewable sector remains low, and the government has found securing land for projects difficult.
Meanwhile, investment in fossil fuel-based energy sources continues to rise in the South Asian nation, with both French energy giant Total and Saudi Arabia’s Aramco buying stakes in Indian companies.