In a significant move to boost its green energy ambitions, the Rajasthan energy department has proposed a major revision to the land allotment ceiling limits for renewable energy projects. The decision, driven by leaps in technology efficiency, is now awaiting formal approval from the state's revenue department.
Rationalising Land for a Greener Future
The proposed changes aim to update the Rajasthan Land Revenue Rules of 2007 and bring them in sync with the state's aggressive Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy, 2024. Officials state the primary goal is to rationalise land use, ensuring that developers are allotted only what is necessary with today's advanced technology, thereby freeing up land for other uses and speeding up project approvals.
Key Changes in Land Allocation Norms
The revision directly addresses the outdated benchmarks set when solar and wind technology was less efficient. Previously, norms allowed between 2.0 to 2.5 hectares per megawatt (MW) depending on the technology. This was based on older solar modules with lower wattage and wind turbines typically in the 1-2 MW range.
Under the new proposed norms:
- Crystalline Solar PV projects will be allotted up to four acres (1.62 hectares) per MW, a reduction from the earlier 2.0 hectares per MW.
- Other technologies, including crystalline PV with trackers, thin-film solar, and standalone wind projects, will also see revised, lower ceilings.
- For hybrid projects combining solar and wind, land allotment will be calculated based on the individual capacity of each component, not a combined figure.
Technology Advancements Drive Policy Shift
The department's note clearly links the policy update to rapid technological progress. Modern solar modules now deliver significantly higher power output per panel, meaning less land is needed to generate the same amount of electricity. Similarly, wind turbines commonly available today are in the 3 to 5 MW range, much larger than the 1-2 MW models prevalent when the old rules were framed. This allows for greater energy generation from a single turbine, optimising land use.
Officials also clarified an important point regarding grid connectivity. The minimum land criteria mentioned in standard operating procedures for getting a grid connection were only meant to ensure developers had adequate land for at least 50% of a project's capacity. They were never intended to dictate the final land requirement, a distinction the new ceilings aim to solidify.
Expected Impact and Benefits
The revised land ceilings are anticipated to bring multiple benefits to Rajasthan's renewable energy landscape:
- Greater Clarity and Uniformity: Reducing ambiguities and non-standard land parcel issues that often delay projects.
- Faster Project Rollout: By streamlining the land allotment process, the state hopes to accelerate the development of large-scale renewable energy parks.
- Efficient Land Use: Ensuring precious land resources are used optimally, supporting sustainable development.
This proactive step underscores Rajasthan's commitment to becoming a national leader in clean energy production, leveraging policy reform to keep pace with technological innovation.
