Emphasising Rajasthan’s emergence as a global clean energy hub, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, declared the state a beacon of hope, energy independence and self-reliance. The Minister inaugurated the 435 megawatt Gorbea Solar Power Project, developed by Zelestra India, in Rajasthan today.He described the Gorbea project as a shining example of visionary leadership and sincere intent. “With every megawatt we generate, we are not just producing power, we are building a New India,” he said, highlighting the rapid pace and scale of change.Rajasthan at the Forefront of India’s Clean Energy MissionCompleted in under eight months, the Gorbea Solar Power Project covers 1,250 acres and operates under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India. It will generate 755 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually, powering around 128,000 homes and reducing nearly 705,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.Shri Joshi noted that nearly 70 per cent of Rajasthan’s power capacity now comes from renewable sources, with over 35.4 gigawatts installed — 29.5 gigawatts from solar and 5.2 gigawatts from wind — praising the state’s proactive role in India’s renewable growth.Empowering Farmers and CommunitiesThe Minister highlighted that the project has turned farmers into partners by leasing land from them, providing a stable income. “Our farmers are no longer just food providers. They are now energy providers as well,” he said.During construction, over 700 local workers were employed, aiding livelihood creation and skill development. Shri Joshi also noted that the entire evacuation infrastructure, including the on-site substation and a 6.5 kilometre transmission line, was completed within five months.Innovation and Future TechnologyThe project utilises advanced solar panels (TOPCon bifacial mono PERC modules) and more than 1,300 robotic cleaning units to maintain optimal performance. Shri Joshi called it a world-class facility and urged wider adoption of such technologies.Referring to his recent visit to IIT Bombay, the Minister spoke of ongoing research on Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells and encouraged Zelestra and Rajasthan officials to explore pilot projects with this next-generation technology. He noted such innovations could significantly increase energy yields in high-irradiance states like Rajasthan.Policy Reforms and Investment ClimateShri Joshi commended Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma for driving policy and investment reforms. Rajasthan has adopted the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 and implemented the Rajasthan Green Hydrogen Policy. Investment commitments exceeding Rs 657 billion were signed last year, focusing heavily on renewable energy and green hydrogen.Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, over 49,000 rooftop solar installations have been completed in Rajasthan, with more than Rs 325 million in subsidies disbursed. He called for faster implementation, noting that 270,000 applications have already been received. Under PM-KUSUM, nearly 145,000 solar pumps have been installed.India’s Energy MilestoneThe Minister announced that India has surpassed its target of 50 per cent installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, achieving this milestone five years ahead of the 2030 deadline. “Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, when we resolve, we achieve,” he declared.Calling for accelerated deployment of wind-solar hybrid projects, he pointed to Rajasthan’s untapped wind potential of 284 gigawatts. Shri Joshi concluded that the Gorbea project marks a new chapter in India’s clean energy journey. “Today, as we stand on this sun-blessed land, we are not merely inaugurating a facility — we are heralding a new era of energy, hope, and self-reliance,” he said.