Rajasthan, Utah Sign Agreement to Collaborate in Energy Sector

The Rajasthan government and state of Utah in the US have entered into a partnership for knowledge sharing and collaboration in the energy sector

The Rajasthan government and state of Utah in the US have entered into a partnership for knowledge sharing in the energy sector. The two states signed an MoU last week to advance state-level policy exchange, share emerging knowledge of innovative energy solutions and to develop direct ties between Utah and the Rajasthan government agencies and private sector energy companies for creating new grid and off-grid energy availability. 

Rajasthan’s principal secretary of energy Naresh Pal Gangwar said that the partnership was about knowledge sharing in energy sector and will benefit the two states. 

The two states during a meeting last week discussed challenges and opportunities for collaboration between the two states, including renewable energy integration, power plant flexibility, transmission and distribution sector issues, energy storage and electric mobility, a release from the US embassy said. 

Laura Nelson, energy advisor to the governor of Utah and the executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of energy development, said that Utah has experienced a 150 percent growth in renewable energy in advancing affordable, reliable and clean power options for its thriving economy and high quality of life. 

“Given our states’ shared interests in strengthening the grid while integrating new energy resources, our similar arid landscapes, and our unparalleled rich and diverse energy resources, there is much we can learn from and partner on creating a bright energy future for all,” the release said.

Recently, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and State Energy Minister BD Kalla have both intimated that the state is working to bring a new renewable energy policy. One that will help the state become a hub of solar energy in the near future.

“Currently the state’s renewable energy production capacity is 1,600 MW and around 3,300 tonnes of coal is required for generating 1 MW electricity through traditional sources, but now due to renewable energy production, the state is saving 5 lakh tonne coal every year,” Kalla said. He also asked the department officials to conduct more research in the domain. And also called upon the industrialists to invest in generating renewable energy. 

More recently, Gehlot had assured a Japanese business delegation of his government’s full cooperation and support in setting up industries in the state. Gehlot gave the assurance during his meeting with the delegation led by Japan’s Ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu. The CM invited the Japanese entrepreneurs to invest in the solar energy sector in the state saying that Rajasthan is the most promising state in the field of solar energy.