Kutch To Lead Renewable Energy Capacity Building With Mega-Renewable Energy Parks

Top industrial houses have already made their commitments to invest in this massive project.

The announcements were reiterated in the backdrop of The 'RE-INVEST 2024' summit and expo. The three-day event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir on Monday, witnessed the participation of energy experts, entrepreneurs, and investors from India and abroad. 

Gujarat, a pioneering leader in the renewable energy sector, is set to make its mark by establishing another renewable energy park at Kutch, in accordance with the blueprint of the state's Renewable Energy master plan. 

Earlier, Gautam Adani, chief of Adani Group speaking at Vibrant Gujarat, had announced investments of over Rs 2 lakh crore in Gujarat over the next five years. He had also said that his company would set up the world's largest renewable energy park in the state.

“We are constructing the world’s largest green energy park in Khavda, Kutch, which will generate 30 GW of renewable energy over 725 square kms, even visible from space.

"We are expanding the green supply chain for an ‘Atmanirbhar’ Bharat and creating the largest renewable energy ecosystem," he said.

This project is expected to generate 30 GW of renewable energy and create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Besides Adani, Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries Ltd is also set to come up with a new energy complex in the state. Several other companies are believed to be eyeing this new business opportunity as well. 

The process of allocating land for these parks has been in the works for some time. Once operational, this renewable energy park will not only position Kutch as a business destination but also place India on the global RE map. 

Kutch’s dry, desert-like climatic conditions and geographical dynamics are highly favorable for such parks and that is also the reason for choosing this district for setting up the renewable park. After Kutch, the focus for such projects could be Banaskantha district.

India's Increased Focus On Renewable Energy  

India is advancing towards becoming a global leader in the green hydrogen sector, as envisaged by Prime Minister Modi. India has witnessed an 86 per cent increase in total renewable energy generation, with the figure rising from 193.50 billion units to 360 billion units. 

As India does not have significant oil and gas reserves, the government is focusing on solar, wind, nuclear, and hydropower to secure energy security. Demand for renewable energy in India has been steadily rising with the government developing innovative policies and initiatives to meet the power requirements of the current and future generations. 

The Central Government's offshore wind energy project will involve an expenditure of Rs 7,000 crore. Additionally, over Rs 12,000 crore will be invested in generating 31,000 megawatts of hydropower. 

That apart, startups are also being encouraged to develop cutting-edge technologies related to reuse and recycling. India has already initiated the "International Solar Alliance,” giving a boost to green hydrogen with the launch of Rs 20,000 crore "Green Hydrogen Mission."

Over Rs 12,000 crore will be invested in generating 31,000 megawatts of hydropower; tariffs for grid-connected solar power plants in India have seen a 76 per cent reduction, while installed renewable energy capacity has increased from 75.52 GW in 2014 to over 207.7 GW in 20 24– a 175 per cent growth in a decade. 

By 2030, the several producers plan to generate 570 gigawatts of renewable energy. These producers have committed to an additional capacity of 340 gigawatts in solar modules, 240 gigawatts in solar cells, 22 gigawatts in wind turbines, and 10 gigawatts in electrolyzers. Financial institutions are also set to invest US$386 billion (Rs 32.45 lakh crore), of which Gujarat will be the major beneficiary. 

Officials said Gujarat is committed to a "green future and has emerged as a leading state in the renewable energy sector in the country". 

Currently, renewable energy contributes 54 per cent to the installed energy capacity in the state, with Gujarat leading in solar rooftop installations.

There is potential for producing 32 to 35 gigawatts of offshore wind energy along the state's 1,600-kilometer coastline. With diverse infrastructure, logistical facilities, and business-friendly policies, Gujarat has become a preferred destination for investment in the energy sector. 

Gujarat is expected to play a pivotal role in realizing the Prime Minister’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2070 and meeting the target of 500 gigawatts by 2030.