Role of Green Energy in Sustainable Development in Rajasthan

Exponential growth in population, economic growth, rapid Industrialization to become a developed Nation, increasing domestic demand of energy and drying up of conventional sources of energy has led us to look for an alternative source of energy. Till date the main source of energy required for growth and development is coal, which is exhaustible, non renewable as well as harmful for the environment. Hence, we are forced by changing environment to move towards green energy which is the solution to the emerging problem of exhausting conventional energy sources and increased carbon footprints. It is environment friendly too for human race to pass on to next generation for continued development. Renewable energy is also called ?Green Energy? or ?Clean Energy? because it does not pollute the environment. As we all are aware that energy can neither be created nor be destroyed rather it transforms from one form to another. Green energy includes solar energy, wind energy, biogas energy etc which are already existing in different form in environment. Rajasthan is endowed with abundant green energy potential to transform it in form useful for the state growth and development. However, there is scarcity of carbon sources in state. Many developed countries are behind India in harnessing the potential of green energy for sustainable development. Rajasthan, ranked first with 19% share of installed renewable energy capacity in India. This paper provides a brief overview of the availability and current status of renewable energy in Rajasthan and its role in sustainable development of state which is taking Rajasthan from energy deficit state to energy surplus state among other states of our country. It will also help the researchers and investors to explore the vast possibility of implementation of modern technology to harness abundant green energy and to map out for the expansion of green energy generation at faster pace to reduce the carbon foot print and coal dependency.