The Big Green Switch: Centre Sparks 40 GW Renewable Energy Talks with States

Today, Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, stated that the Centre is in dialogue with states for power purchase agreements (PPAs) to 40 GW had been selected for renewable energy capacity. Constructed in part at the event of a opening of solar PV module testing facilities at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), the Minister reported that they are working on power purchase agreements (PPAs) to finalize involving 40 GW to help meet India’s larger target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, of which solar energy works to achieve 292 GW.

 

Minister Joshi emphasized that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is coordinating closely with state governments to adequately expedite the signing of power purchase agreements (PPAs), and that the Secretary and Joint Secretary of the MNRE are continuously in touch with their counterparts.  The Union Minister himself is following up with chief ministers and officials in the interim order to stay on track.  He expressed optimism that even as it leaves gaps in the grid, advancing 40 GW of Projects awaiting PPAs can be added in the fiscal 2026, after committing, as many of those Projects were ready and waiting for the PPA agreements to be signed, even if a different gap may exist.

 

Joshi reported in 2024-25 India added 29.52 GW of renewable energy capacity, and reiterated the commitment of the Government of India to find innovative solutions to maximize solar generation capacity, as in some of the tighter urban areas there is no space for solar generation. Joshi expressed pride in the success of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which 1.2 million households installed rooftop solar panels over the period. 

 

The leader would further reinforce how important testing and certification/ verification facilities, like the new one at NISE in this case, that will be needed to achieve India's ambition of becoming a global manufacturing hub of solar modules and technologies.

 

Source: The Hindu Business Line