Gorbea solar power project developed by Zelestra inaugurate in Rajasthan

Almost 70 percent of Rajasthan’s power capacity is now sourced from renewable energy: Pralhad Joshi

Jaipur: Underscoring Rajasthan’s transformation to a global hub of clean energy, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, said that the state is now a beacon of hope, energy independence, and self-reliance. The Minister stated while inaugurating the 435 megawatt Gorbea Solar Power Project, developed by Zelestra India, in Rajasthan today.

He described the Gorbea project as a shining example of what is possible through visionary leadership and honest intent. “With every megawatt we generate, we are not just producing power, we are building a New India,” he remarked, adding that the project reflects the speed and scale of change.

The Gorbea Solar Power Project, delivered in under eight months, spans 1250 acres and is backed by a 25 year Power Purchase Agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India. It will generate 755 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually, powering approximately 1.28 lakh homes and reducing nearly 7.05 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

Joshi noted that almost 70 percent of Rajasthan’s power capacity is now sourced from renewable energy, with over 35.4 gigawatts installed, 29.5 gigawatts from solar and 5.2 gigawatts from wind. He praised the state’s proactive role in India’s renewable energy growth.

Policy Reforms and Investment Climate

Joshi lauded Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for accelerating policy and investment reforms. Rajasthan has adopted the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 and operationalised the Rajasthan Green Hydrogen Policy. Investment commitments worth over Rs 6.57 lakh crore were signed last year with a major focus on renewable energy and green hydrogen.

Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, over 49000 rooftop installations have been completed in Rajasthan, with more than Rs 325 crore in subsidies disbursed. He urged faster implementation, given the 2.7 lakh applications already received. Under PM-KUSUM, nearly 1.45 lakh solar pumps have been installed.

India’s Energy Milestone

The Minister announced that India has already achieved its target of 50 percent installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of the 2030 deadline. “Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, when we resolve, we achieve,” he said.

Calling for accelerated deployment of wind-solar hybrid projects, he pointed out Rajasthan’s untapped wind potential of 284 gigawatts. He concluded by stating that the Gorbea project marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s clean energy journey. “Today, as we stand on this sun-blessed land, we are not merely inaugurating a facility we are heralding a new era of energy, hope, and self-reliance,” he said.

Zelestra is a global, vertically integrated renewable energy company with a portfolio of 29 gigawatts of carbon-free energy projects across 13 countries. In India, the company has a pipeline of 5.4 gigawatts, with 1.7 gigawatts already contracted.