This bundle of resources, from our Subnational Integration Working Group, shares a case study on Gujarat State’s leadership in pioneering and scaling up solar energy in India, a webinar on the study and the accompanying slideshow presentation.

“I saw more than glittering panels—I saw the future of India and the future of our world. I saw India’s bright creativity, ingenuity and cutting edge technology.” – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during inauguration of a new canal-top solar energy plant in Vadodara, Gujarat

The study finds that Gujarat’s success is due to several enabling factors: a very high solar power potential, availability of wasteland, good connectivity, transmission and distribution infrastructure, and efficient utilities— complemented by a strong political will and an investment.

The 2009 Solar Power policy of Gujarat was the first comprehensive solar policy in India.  The robust policy framework, financing mechanism, and incentives contributed to creating an enabling green investment climate in the state and led to ambitious targets for grid connected solar power.

Watch the webinar below or access the slides here:

The experience of Gujarat state shows how subnational governments can proactively lead and inform national policy and raise national government ambitions for more aggressive greenhouse gas mitigation commitments. Today, India has over 5,500 MW of installed solar energy.

• Download the case study here: Gujarat state – Pioneering and scaling up solar energy in India

• Download the presentation to the webinar here.