Centre approves 2 GW Solar park for Rajasthan

The Centre has approved a 2,000-MW solar energy park in Rajasthan with central financial assistance of 30% of the cost, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi on said Monday. Addressing a session on Transition Towards a Sustainable Energy Economy at the ‘Rising Rajasthan Summit’ in Jaipur, the minister lauded the recent launch of Rajasthan’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, which aims to achieve 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Joshi also said that the policy will significantly contribute to India’s target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Addressing a parallel session, Union Coal and Mines Minister, G Kishan Reddy, said mine closure is an important area that needs industry partners. “Only three coal mines have been successful closed since independence. The vacant mines are being developed for agriculture and other purposes,” he said.

According to Reddy, this can be an opportunity for the private sector to participate. In addition to this, Reddy said the domestic industry can be a key partner to acquire overseas critical mineral assets. “We must go abroad, like some other countries do,” he said.

Reddy said Rajasthan, as a leader in mineral extraction and mining technology, is at the forefront of India’s mineral security. “The state produces 52 out of 82 commercial minerals and is the only one producing critical minerals like zinc and silver, underscoring its importance to the nation’s resource landscape,” he added.