Rajasthan Becomes First Indian State to Sign Clean Energy Framework with ISA

Rajasthan has become the first Indian state to sign the “Framework for Action – Advanced Clean Energy, Driven Sustainable Development” with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a new step in the state's efforts to expand renewable energy and modernise its electricity infrastructure. The agreement is aimed at developing a coordinated clean energy strategy covering renewable power generation, transmission networks, energy storage, distribution reforms and digital technologies. The framework was signed by Rajasthan Energy Secretary Aarti Dogra and ISA Director General Ashish Khanna in the presence of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma at the Chief Minister's residence in Jaipur. Clean Energy Roadmap to Focus on 2030-35 According to the state government, the partnership will support Rajasthan's energy transition plans for the 2030-35 period. The framework will focus on renewable energy capacity expansion, grid modernisation, transmission upgrades, energy storage deployment, energy efficiency, demand-side management, policy reforms and institutional capacity building. Chief Minister Sharma said the collaboration would help Rajasthan strengthen its position as a leading renewable energy state while supporting the availability of affordable and reliable electricity for consumers. Rajasthan Targets 125 GW of Clean Energy Capacity Rajasthan currently has more than 42 GW of installed solar capacity, while its overall clean energy portfolio has reached nearly 48 GW. The state government has set a target of achieving 125 GW of clean energy capacity under the Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy. The Chief Minister said future expansion would require stronger integration of renewable power into the electricity system. The state plans to support this through investments in battery storage, smart grids, digitalisation and demand-side management, along with upgrades to transmission and distribution networks. AI-Based Digital Twin Pilot Planned in Ajmer A major technology initiative under the partnership will be an artificial intelligence-enabled digital twin pilot project at Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam. The system is expected to support more accurate electricity demand forecasting, improve network planning, facilitate renewable energy integration and enhance power supply reliability. Minister of State for Energy (Independent Charge) Hiralal Nagar said AI-based tools would also be used to strengthen electricity distribution planning, infrastructure management and consumer services. The Rajasthan government also highlighted the growing role of decentralised solar power in the agriculture sector. Under the PM-KUSUM Scheme, more than 4 GW of solar power capacity is supplying daytime electricity to farmers across 26 districts. The programme is intended to reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources while improving the availability of power for agricultural activities. ISA Partnership to Support Training and Technical Expertise The collaboration will also provide state engineers and government officials access to international training programmes, technical expertise and knowledge-sharing initiatives through the International Solar Alliance. ISA Director General Ashish Khanna said Rajasthan is the first state in India to sign such a framework with the alliance and said the initiative could serve as a model for other states planning large-scale clean energy transitions. Separately, during a review meeting of the Energy Department, Chief Minister Sharma directed officials to speed up the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana. He also asked the Chief Secretary to regularly monitor progress to ensure timely achievement of targets and faster deployment of rooftop solar systems across Rajasthan.