Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy, 2014: Talking Points for the speech of Hon’ble Chief Minister
- Main objective of the Policy :
- Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy, 2014 is being issued in compliance to the announcement made during the Budget Speech 2014-15 to pave the way for establishment of 25000 MW solar capacity in the State.
Benefits to Farmers and Villagers : - Rajasthan Tenancy Act and Rajasthan Land Revenue Act are being amended to give right to Khatedar to set up Solar Power Plants on his Agricultural holding or to sub let it for the purpose of setting up of Solar Power Plants. Besides this, there will be no requirement of land conversion for setting up of Solar Power Plants.
- The provision of allowing farmers to set up Solar Power Plants on their holding or to sub- let the land for this purpose, will generate regular source of income like any other agricultural products. It will result in the improvement of the economic status of the farmers.
- About 15,000 Solar Water Pumps have already been installed in the State. To promote the scheme of Solar Water Pump for irrigation, a provision of Rs. 119 Crores has been made in the State budget for the year 2014-15.
- A provision of Rs 100 crore has been made in the State budget of 2014-15 for promotion of power supply to remote villages/dhanis through Local Solar grid, Stand alone Solar system and Smart grid system
Benefits to Developers :
- Private Solar Parks Developers will also be able to establish Solar Parks on private land under this Policy and will have right to sub lease the land to Solar Power Producers.
- This Policy will make it possible to establish Solar Parks in State Sector as well as in Private Sector and under Public Private Partnership by Joint Venture Companies. State Govt may have equity upto 50% in the JVC.
Simplification of the Process for Setting up of Solar Power Plants - Process of setting up of Solar Power Projects has been simplified in this Policy wherein final approval of the solar power project of capacity upto 10 MW will be granted by State Level Screening Committee headed by Energy Secretary. Fast track approval for Mega Solar Power Projects (500 MW or more) will be granted by the State Level Empowered Committee headed by Chief Secretary
- State Level Facilitator will be nominated for all projects of capacity above 20 MW.
- Solar Power Plants of all capacity has been kept under “Green category” by the State Pollution Control Board and also the process of obtaining “Consent to Establish” and “Consent to Operate” has been simplified by making provision of issue of these consents within 15 days.
Concessions/ Incentives/Benefits :
- The benefits/concession available under Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) shall also be available to the Solar Power Projects.
- Registration / Processing fee for Solar Power Projects will be Rs. 50,000/- per MW subject to maximum of Rs. 30 lac for any project.
- The eligibility criteria of Net-Worth requirement has been reduced to Rs 1 crore/MW from Rs 3 crore/MW.Security amount of Project has been reduced to Rs. 10 lac per MW from Rs. 25 lac per MW.
Promotion of Power Generation through Roof Top Solar PlantN - et-metering scheme to promote power generation through Roof top Solar Power Plants has been proposed in the Policy.