Exploring Thar deserts in order to tap natural resources like wind and solar energy is included in Central Government’s next renewable energy plan, according to official release.
Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) has submitted a report “Desert Power India- 2050” which analyze India’s renewable energy potential, adequate requirements for transmission infrastructure and balancing reserve in the identified areas, as assigned by ministry of new and renewable energy.
The report has estimated a total potential of 315.7 GW of solar and wind power in the explored regions and an investment of Rs43,74,550 crore is needed to requirement for binding this energy till 2050, the minister is quoted as saying in the release.
The potential regions identified include Thar in Rajasthan, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, Lahul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir.
In another development, India ranks fifth position in wind energy sector creating 68 per cent of the total renewable energy production, said, T P Seetharam, Indian ambassador to the UAE.
India is current vice-chairman of Abu Dhabi based International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Recently, India became the 19th member to designate a permanent representative to IRENA, an intergovernmental organization that promote sustainable energy development in member countries and a meeting platform for international cooperation.