Hydroelectric and Non-Conventional Energy Resources in Rajasthan

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Hydroelectric and Non-Conventional Energy Resources in Rajasthan

Question 1: What do you understand by non-conventional energy sources? Which major institutions and policy initiatives are working for their development in Rajasthan?

Answer:
Non-conventional energy sources are renewable energy sources available in nature such as solar energy, wind energy, biomass, and biogas.

Major Institutions and Policy Initiatives:

  • The Rajasthan Energy Development Agency (REDA) was established in 1985 to promote renewable energy development in the state.
  • The state government introduced the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy on October 6, 2023, and the Hydrogen Policy on September 29, 2023.
  • Under the Solar Energy Policy (December 18, 2019), Rajasthan aims to achieve 30,000 MW of solar power generation by 2024–25.
  • For wind energy, the first Wind Energy Policy was launched on July 18, 2012, followed by the Rajasthan Wind and Hybrid Energy Policy, 2019.
  • As per India’s national commitment, the country aims to produce 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030.

Question 2: Which are the major hydroelectric projects in Rajasthan and what is the state’s share in them?

Answer:
Several hydroelectric projects in Rajasthan are jointly operated with neighboring states:

  1. Mahi Hydroelectric Project:
    A joint venture between Rajasthan (45%) and Gujarat (55%). Rajasthan receives 100% of the generated power (144 MW) from this project, located on the Mahi River at Borkheda, Banswara, under the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam and Kadana Dam.
  2. Chambal Hydroelectric Project:
    Jointly operated by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (50:50). It generates 386 MW, out of which Rajasthan’s share is 193 MW.
    It includes three dams – Gandhi Sagar (M.P.), Rana Pratap Sagar (Chittorgarh), and Jawahar Sagar (Kota).
  3. Bhakra Nangal Project:
    A joint project of Rajasthan (15.2%), Punjab, and Haryana. Rajasthan’s share is 227 MW of electricity.
  4. Beas Project:
    A joint project of Rajasthan (20%), Punjab, and Haryana, built on the Beas River with the Pong Dam as the main structure.
  5. Jakham Dam Mini Hydroelectric Project:
    Located on the Jakham River in Pratapgarh district, this small project has a production capacity of 2.75 MW.

Question 3: Explain the development and major locations of wind and solar energy in Rajasthan.

Answer:

Wind Energy:

  • Rajasthan ranks fourth in India for wind energy potential.
  • Jaisalmer has the maximum number of wind power plants and is popularly known as the “City of Windmills.”
  • The first wind energy project was established at Amarsagar (Jaisalmer) on April 10, 1999.
  • The largest wind power plant (25 MW) is located at Sodha Bandhan (Jaisalmer).
  • Other major wind power sites include Devgarh (Pratapgarh), Harsh Parvat (Sikar), and Beethadi (Phalodi, Jodhpur).
  • By March 2024, Rajasthan had installed 5,209 MW of wind power capacity.

Solar Energy:

  • Rajasthan ranks first in India in solar power generation with an installed capacity of 22,860.73 MW.
  • The state enjoys over 325 sunny days per year, offering immense solar potential.
  • The total solar potential is estimated at 142 GW.
  • The Bhadla Solar Park (Jodhpur), developed in four phases, has a total capacity of 2,245 MW, making it one of the world’s largest solar parks.
  • Recently, SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL) signed long-term agreements to supply 600 MW of solar power to Rajasthan from projects established in Bikaner and Nava.

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