Gujarat Grows More And More Low Hanging Fruits For The Climate Conscious Businesses

Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, S. J. Haider stated that Gujarat currently holds 29 GW of renewable energy capacity, and a target of generating 50 GW of hydrogen power has been set, with an additional 71 GW of capacity. The Indian government has set a target of 500 GW of renewable energy in the next six years. Nine states, including Gujarat, have signed a pledge to meet this energy production goal. Through these policies Gujarat is expected to attract an investment of ₹8.47 lakh crore through 500 agreements in this sector.
 
He mentioned that the policies regarding power generation, wind power, small hydro power, and wind-solar-hybrid, which were created between 2009 and 2018 that have now expired, will be revamped, and new policies for Green Hydrogen and Pumped Storage will be introduced. The state government also seeks to enhance transmission and distribution capacity along with renewable energy. The framework for all these policies is currently under preparation and will be announced shortly.
 
Gujarat Green Hydrogen Policy:

In line with India’s target for Green Hydrogen production of 5 million metric tons per annum (MMPTA) by 2030, of which  3 MMPTA expected to be produced in Gujarat alone, the state government released a white paper outlining the Green Hydrogen Policy, which is now transitioning into a formal policy. Under this policy, an investment of ₹2.4 lakh crore and the creation of 1.8 lakh jobs are anticipated over the next five years. The policy aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuel imports worth ₹30,000 crore by 2030.

The state has allocated 1.99 lakh hectares of wasteland in Kutch and Banaskantha for Green Hydrogen projects. At the Vibrant Investors' Summit held last January, two major companies announced plans to set up plants. The focus of this new policy will be on electrolyzer manufacturing. The state has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of California. Companies like Reliance New Energy, Adani New Industries, Torrent Power, ArcelorMittal India, Welspun Group, and Essar Group are currently in the process of land acquisition for their Green Hydrogen projects.
 
Gujarat Biofuel Policy:

Due benefits to sugarcane farmers ensured with a policy for those involved in biofuels. This 
following the central government’s National Biofuel Policy. This will enable the farmers to directly sell their produce and accrue profits. 

 
Gujarat Pumped Storage Policy:

With the central government's focus on pumped storage projects, Gujarat has identified 16 locations for a 14,210 MW capacity in areas including Valsad, Dang, Chhota Udepur, Banaskantha, Narmada, Dahod, and Sabarkantha. This project utilizes two water reservoirs at different heights to store and generate hydraulic power.
 
Gujarat Wind Power Policy 2016:

In 2016, the Gujarat government announced the Wind Power Policy, taking into account the potential for 35,000 MW of wind energy projects along the state’s 1,640 km coastline. In 2018, the Wind-Solar Hybrid Power policy was introduced, which expired in June 2023.
 
Gujarat Small Hydel Power Policy 2016:

Given the state’s vast network of rivers, streams, and canals, the Gujarat government announced this policy to encourage the establishment of small, mini, and micro hydropower projects. These projects would promote renewable and clean energy, with plants ranging from 100 KW to 25 MW being established.
 
Gujarat Power Generation Policy 2009:

This policy aimed to develop Gujarat as a power generation hub, allowing private developers to set up power plants of up to 200 MW at single locations. The projects use gas, imported coal, washed coal, and lignite.
 
Solar Policy Before Vibrant Summit:

Currently, Gujarat has three operational policies related to renewable energy—Renewable Energy 2023, Solar 2021, and Gujarat Waste to Energy 2022. Since the Solar Policy’s term expires in December 2025, it will be announced before the 2026 Vibrant Gujarat Summit.