Jaipur, Dec 10 (NationPress) Union Power Minister Manohar Lal expressed optimism that a swift legal resolution will be reached concerning the enhancement of transmission lines in Western Rajasthan, particularly in relation to the Great Indian Bustard conservation matter.

He revealed that the Green Energy Corridor–III has received approval from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, with a remarkable 115-gigawatt system being developed in Rajasthan as part of the central transmission network.

This development clearly indicates that India's “energy sector super highway” will traverse through Rajasthan.

Manohar Lal made these remarks during a special session dedicated to battery energy storage at the JECC in celebration of Pravasi Rajasthani Divas on Wednesday.

He also commended the proactive measures undertaken by the state government to enhance the solar energy sector.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated that Rajasthan has established itself as a pivotal player, not only nationally but also internationally, in the renewable energy sector. Currently, the state holds the top position in India regarding both solar and overall renewable energy capacity.

He acknowledged that the expertise, investments, and global connections of expatriate Rajasthanis are crucial in accelerating this transformation.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is dedicated to making Rajasthan self-sufficient in energy and has implemented several significant initiatives to transition the state from being an energy consumer to a producer.

He pointed out that 23,386 hectares of land have been designated for renewable energy projects and parks, facilitating the development of 10,202 MW of capacity.

Additionally, 51,808 hectares have been allocated to the Renewable Energy Corporation and the Power Generation Corporation for solar parks with a capacity of 26,784 MW, establishing a foundation for future gigawatt-scale projects.

Approval has also been granted for 964 MW of captive solar plants and 1,514 MW of solar projects targeted toward industries and major consumers, ensuring clean, affordable, and sustainable energy security.

Discussing PM-KUSUM, the Chief Minister noted that the initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has empowered farmers by transforming them into energy producers. Rajasthan is currently leading the nation under this scheme.

Work orders have been issued for 5,002 solar projects totaling 10,533 MW under PM-KUSUM Components A and C, with 1,019 projects (2,272 MW) already in place. Rajasthan holds the top rank nationwide in Component-A.

Food Minister Sumit Godara remarked that solar energy initiatives have significantly enhanced livelihoods in Western Rajasthan.

Minister of State for Energy (Independent Charge) Hiralal Nagar mentioned that battery energy storage systems are being rapidly developed to meet peak power demands, with a 6,000 MW storage system currently under construction.

Revenue Minister Hemant Meena, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Principal Secretary (Energy) Ajitabh Sharma, along with representatives from various energy-sector organizations and state power corporations, were also in attendance.