Gujarat’s Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani has approved the proposals to install solar systems in the state at an approximate cost of ₹136.1 million (~$1.83 million). The solar energy generated from these solar systems will be utilized for 15 water treatment and sewage projects spread across 11 municipalities in the state.

These eleven municipalities include Bardoli, Umargam, Botad, Songadh, Vijalpore, Ankleshwar, Jambusar, Navsari, Vyra, Unjha, and Surendranagar.

According to the official statement, these solar systems would approximately generate 2,835 kW of power. The generated solar energy would also bring in savings worth ₹29.4 million (~$0.396 million) in electricity cost.

Gujarat is considered one of the best states for solar expansion, mainly due to the high rating of its DISCOMs and its record of paying the developers on time.

According to Mercom India Research, Gujarat has approximately 2.35 GW of large-scale solar installations, and around 1.94 GW of solar projects are under pipeline as of December 2019. The state DISCOMs are also known for their discipline and timely payments.

During the recently-concluded state budget session for the financial year 2020-21, the state government announced a sum of ₹2.276 billion (~$31.74 million) for the new and renewable energy sector. Of this, ₹956.1 million (~$13.34 million) for renewable energy and agricultural applications, while ₹10 million (~$139,462) was allotted towards renewable energy for urban, industrial and commercial applications, as reported previously by Mercom. The state government has also announced a ₹10 million (~$139,462) subsidy for the development of group-captive rooftop and ground-mounted solar photovoltaic projects for the residential consumer.

In another positive news from the state, Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) has managed to operate its 500 MW Ukai unit under its coal-based power project at 40% of its capacity during a recently conducted low load test run. This is the first time the state power corporation has been able to run its unit at the lowest possible load points while still maintaining all the other operating parameters under stable conditions and without any supplementary oil firing support.

Image credit: AES Distributed Energy

Anjana is a news editor at Mercom India. Before joining Mercom, she held roles of senior editor, district correspondent, and sub-editor for The Times of India, Biospectrum and The Sunday Guardian. Before that, she worked at the Deccan Herald and the Asianlite as chief sub-editor and news editor. She has also contributed to The Quint, Hindustan Times, The New Indian Express, Reader’s Digest (UK edition), IndiaSe (Singapore-based magazine) and Asiaville. Anjana holds a Master’s degree in Geography from North Bengal University, and a diploma in mass communication and journalism from Guru Ghasidas University, Bhopal.