Rajasthan CM: Clean Energy for Future Challenges

Jaipur, May 15 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday stressed the need for prudent use of fuel and resources to achieve self-reliance, and said that future challenges can be tackled only by adopting clean and alternative energy sources.

Addressing the Rajasthan Energy Conclave here, Sharma said saving every drop of fuel was a collective responsibility, and called for wider adoption of public transport and electric vehicles.

"Energy conservation and fuel saving are matters linked with public participation. Petrol and diesel conservation is the need of the hour, and future energy challenges can be addressed only by adopting clean and alternative energy sources," he said.

The chief minister arrived at the event in an electric vehicle, projecting a message of fuel conservation, environmental protection and promotion of green energy.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation under the 'nation first' approach, Sharma said the state government had issued directions for the restrained use of official vehicles and energy conservation measures.

Rajasthan is emerging as a leader in solar energy generation and would further strengthen its identity as an energy-provider state in the coming years, he said.


"Rajasthan has immense possibilities in non-conventional energy sources and is becoming a centre of green energy revolution," Sharma said.

Inviting investors in the state's energy sector, the chief minister said Rajasthan offers one of the most favourable investment environments in the country, and his government is committed to providing all support to industries and investors.

He further said the state has received investment proposals in solar, wind, bio-energy, pumped storage and green hydrogen projects under its progressive policies.

Rajasthan has a potential of 828 GW of solar energy and 284 GW of wind energy generation. More than 47 GW of renewable energy capacity has already been established in the state, he added.

The state government has issued the Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 to promote renewable energy, biofuel, energy storage and green hydrogen projects, the chief minister said, adding that under the PM-KUSUM scheme, over 4,000 MW solar projects have been established and 6,500 MW projects allocated to meet agricultural electricity demand through solar energy.

Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar said energy conservation and fuel saving were collective responsibilities, and the government was promoting electric mobility and solar energy expansion through charging infrastructure and other initiatives.