Pralhad Joshi Reviews Solar Incentives Disbursed To Discoms

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi during a review meeting reviewed the disbursed amount of incentives released by the discoms for promoting rooftop solar. He highlighted the latest progress made by Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh Discom.

The meeting reviewed the incentives released to Discoms for the financial years FY 20, FY 21, FY 22, and FY 23.  Jodhpur and Ajmer, the Rajasthan Discoms were provided Rs. 39.43 crores and Rs. 17.59 crores incentives respectively in Financial Years 21, 22, 23, and 24.  Whereas, Dakshin Haryana and Uttar Haryana Discoms were provided with incentive amounts of Rs. 42.68 crores and Rs. 22.43 crores respectively for Financial Years 20, 21, 22, and 23. Punjab Discom, Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd  (PSPCL) received an amount of Rs.11.39 crores in FY 23. Uttarakhand received Rs.9.48 crore as an incentive for Financial Years 20, 21, 22, and 23. For Uttar Pradesh, Madhyanchal Discom received Rs.9.51 crores as an incentive for Financial Years 21, 22, and 23.

Nidhi Khare, Secretary, MNRE, added that the Central Government has allocated an additional 5,000 MW to Rajasthan under the PM Kusum Scheme in January 2025 as requested by the state. The MNRE minister also highlighted the recent inauguration of four solar power projects in Jaisalmer, totaling 1,200 MW. Reaffirming the state’s pivotal role in India’s renewable energy revolution, Joshi said that the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizes collaborating with state governments for the collective progress of all states.

Regional Focus: Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh

Satish Misra, Minister for Science & Technology in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), shared insights into the state’s renewable energy progress, including the installation of over 35 MW of solar power in the domestic sector and the deployment of 3,000 solar pumps. He emphasized J&K’s potential in solar, small hydroelectric, and wind energy, while also stressing the importance of hosting a regional workshop in the state to address its unique challenges in energy development.

In Himachal Pradesh, Rajesh Dharmani, Minister for Town and Country Planning, outlined the state’s green energy initiatives, including the establishment of a 1 MW green hydrogen plant, over 75% green energy in its energy portfolio, and a target of 100% non-fossil fuel energy by 2026. He emphasized the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate green energy adoption across states.

Leadership in Renewable Energy: Rajasthan and Haryana

Heeralal Nagar, Energy Minister in Rajasthan, discussed the state’s significant progress in the RE sector, including the installation of a 2000 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and the implementation of over 5000 MW under the PM KUSUM scheme. Rajasthan is a leader in solar, wind, and BESS, and the state is committed to meeting its target of 125 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Anil Vij, Hon’ble Minister for Energy, Transport & Labour in Haryana, also spoke about the state’s growing investment in renewable energy infrastructure and its commitment to achieving green energy goals.