Gandhinagar: On the occasion of Good Governance Day, observed annually on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Late Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Government of Gujarat marked the day with a high-profile state-level event in Gandhinagar. The celebration witnessed Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel launching the Integrated Renewable Energy Policy 2025, a landmark initiative aimed at accelerating Gujarat’s transition towards a clean, sustainable, and investor-friendly energy ecosystem.
Policy Launch Highlights Gujarat’s Commitment to Clean Energy
The launch was supported by Energy Minister Mr. Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State Mr. Kaushik Vekariya. Developed by the Energy Department, the Integrated Renewable Energy Policy 2025 reflects Gujarat’s strong commitment to climate action, clean energy innovation, and sustainable economic growth. The policy aligns with India’s Panchamrit Sankalp, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the vision of Viksit Gujarat @2047, setting the stage for the state to emerge as a globally competitive renewable energy hub.
Ambitious Targets for Renewable Energy Capacity
Building on Gujarat’s legacy of leadership in the renewable energy sector, the policy aims to support the state’s target of 100+ gigawatts of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030, contributing significantly to India’s goal of 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel energy. By providing a simple, transparent, and integrated framework, the policy facilitates ease of doing business, encourages adoption of emerging technologies, promotes grid stability, generates employment in the green energy sector, ensures energy security, and delivers affordable tariffs.
Focus on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
A key pillar of the policy is the promotion of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to enable large-scale integration of renewable energy and strengthen grid stability. Grid-connected and co-located BESS projects alongside solar, wind, and hybrid energy projects have been encouraged. BESS deployment is envisaged to support transmission, grid ancillary services, distribution utilities, and end consumers. Strategic locations for BESS installations will be identified collaboratively by the State Nodal Agency (GEDA), GETCO, SLDC, and DISCOMs.
Improved Timelines and Wind Repowering Framework
The policy provides significant relaxations and improvements in commissioning timelines for captive and third-party renewable energy projects. Commissioning timelines for evacuation infrastructure have been rationalized based on voltage levels rather than project capacity, with additional time granted for smoother project implementation.
Another notable feature is the supportive framework for wind repowering and refurbishment, aligned with the National Repowering Policy. The policy permits repowering without mandatorily dismantling existing wind turbine generators and extends timelines up to 24 months. Additional measures include extension of PPA tenure during the repowering period, waiver of transmission charges on unutilized transmission capacity during transition, priority for renewable energy connectivity, and relaxed micro-siting norms.
Promoting Emerging and Advanced Renewable Technologies
The RE Policy-2025 actively encourages emerging and advanced renewable energy technologies to diversify Gujarat’s clean energy portfolio. Technologies supported under the policy include ocean energy, geothermal energy, concentrated solar thermal (CST), building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems, rail and road-integrated photovoltaic (RIPV) applications, agrivoltaics, and vertical-axis wind turbines, with pilot projects envisioned to accelerate innovation.
Strengthening Rooftop and Distributed Energy, Start-ups, and Employment
The policy also emphasizes rooftop and distributed renewable energy, private sector participation, start-ups, and skill development to generate employment in the green energy sector. Collectively, these measures aim to create a stable, future-ready, and globally competitive renewable energy ecosystem in Gujarat.
Chief Minister’s Vision and Remarks
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel highlighted Gujarat’s commitment to sustainable development, green growth, and energy security. He emphasized that the Integrated Renewable Energy Policy 2025 would not only accelerate investment in the sector but also strengthen Gujarat’s position as a global leader in clean energy innovation.
Good Governance Day and Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Legacy
The Good Governance Day celebration, coupled with the policy launch, reflects Gujarat’s holistic approach to governance, development, and sustainable energy, echoing the visionary ideals of Late Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
