The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has emphasized the significance of the states taking the lead in expanding renewable energy capacity, which has touched 172 GW.

At a review meeting chaired by Bhagwanth Khuba, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, with the states and union territories, MNRE Secretary B S Bhalla said states must provide infrastructure like land and water and ensure law and order for the safety of the projects and their personnel.

He said approximately 129 GW of renewable projects were either in progress or had been bid out, in addition to the 172 GW capacity already installed. This would take the overall installed capacity to 301 GW, leaving around 200 GW of additional capacity to meet the target of 500 GW from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

At the review meeting, a comprehensive evaluation of the advancements made in various initiatives, including Solar Parks, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), Rooftop Solar Program, Green Energy Corridor, National Bioenergy Program, and National Green Hydrogen Mission, was conducted.

The meeting discussed the challenges faced in implementing these programs and considered the suggestions proposed by the states. The states were urged to accelerate the implementation of all renewable energy programs within the timeframes to achieve the renewable energy target by 2030.

The states have a big role to play in India’s energy transition, but it is often seen that there is no uniformity in renewable energy policies across the country. Industry insiders had felt that the states needed to walk the talk to boost renewable energy adoption.

Last month, MNRE announced that it will issue renewable project bids worth 50 GW annually for the financial years (FY) 2024-28, which includes at least 10 GW of wind tenders. The tender trajectory for FY24 entails a schedule of at least 15 GW of renewable capacity for the first two quarters and at least a minimum of 10 GW in the last two quarters.