India's solar power capacity hits 72.02 GW, govt advances solar park projects

Kathmandu: Indian government asserts the advancement in solar energy. Union minister for new & renewable energy and power R. K. Singh, stated, in the Rajya Sabha that India has achieved a solar power capacity of 72.02 GW.

This milestone includes diverse contributions, with 55.71 GW from ground mounted, 11.08 GW from rooftop, 2.55 GW from solar component of hybrid projects, and 2.68 GW from off-grid solar. The minister provided this information in response to three separate questions. State-wise data showed an increase in solar power capacity since 2019-20, with substantial contributions from Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.

The installations are largely driven by private sector investments, selected through a transparent bidding process.The northeastern states receive additional financial support for solar power projects under the Rooftop Solar and PM-KUSUM schemes. For, the fiscal year 2023 the total budget allocation for solar energy stands at Rs 5,917.25 crore, although it is not distributed state-wise.

The Indian government is committed to developing Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power aiming for at least 50 solar parks with a total capacity of 40,000 MW. As of October 31, 2023, 50 solar parks with a sanctioned capacity of 37,490 MW been commissioned in 18 solar parks.

economictimes