The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), in collaboration with Landesa, has released two publications examining land governance and tenure dynamics in Rajasthan’s utility-scale solar energy transition while suggesting practical recommendations for the further expansion of utility-scale solar. The publications come at a time when India is accelerating towards its ambition of achieving 60 percent of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035, underscoring the need for renewable energy expansion that is both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.
The publications-Tenure Dynamics in Land Procurement in Rajasthan’s Utility-Scale Solar Energy Transition and Sustainable Land Futures for Utility Scale RE Expansion in States: Case Study of Rajasthan-provide evidence-based insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with land procurement for utility-scale solar projects. Drawing on policy analysis, field research and stakeholder consultations, the studies explore how renewable energy development can be better aligned with community interests, ecological conservation and long-term regional development.
The research highlights that while Rajasthan has emerged as India’s leading state in utility-scale solar deployment, sustained growth will require land governance frameworks that balance clean energy expansion with community livelihoods and ecological conservation. The studies emphasise that promoting participatory approaches and integrating spatial planning into renewable energy development can help reduce conflicts while accelerating project implementation.
The key recommendations include the development of a Digital Renewable Energy Atlas, integration of participatory mapping in project planning, establishment of Land Procurement Committees, promotion of agrivoltaic and pasture-voltaic models, improved mapping of Orans and common lands and enhanced livelihood and skill development initiatives for local communities.
Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, highlighted, “India’s remarkable progress through initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM promoting decentralised solar and emerging models like agrivoltaics and community solar demonstrates that clean energy can be both inclusive and transformative. Meeting the Net Zero ambition also calls for minimising the carbon footprint through large-scale deployment of solar and wind energy projects. As utility-scale renewable energy continues to expand, responsible land governance will be equally vital to ensure that this transition creates shared prosperity while safeguarding communities, livelihoods and ecosystems.”
Speaking on the occasion, Jiwesh Nandan, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, said, “Sustainability of solar energy expansion in Rajasthan in the long run will be ensured by integrating equity in land aggregation and social inclusion.”
A K Saxena, Senior Fellow and Senior Director, TERI, highlighted, “At TERI, we believe that the success of India’s energy transition will be guided not only by technological progression and innovation but also by inclusive and people-centric transition. By bringing together evidence from policy, field research and stakeholder consultations, these publications offer actionable recommendations to foster environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and economically fair renewable energy development.”
Pinaki Halder, Senior Land Tenure Advisor, Landesa, observed, “Land use and impact on customary tenure confronts utility-scale solar expansion, pre-emption lies in inclusive pre-consultation and explaining shared benefits.”
Dr Jayanta Mitra, Senior Fellow, TERI, added, “Land is critical for the expansion of utility-scale renewable energy and hence an empathetic view needs to drive the land procurement process for informed decision-making about land siting, categorisation, allotment, etc. These land dynamics need to align with age-old customary norms, cultural beliefs and practices, identity and autonomy, local priorities and the economy for desirable techno-social outcomes of renewable energy deployment.”
The publications seek to contribute to the national dialogue on sustainable renewable energy expansion by providing evidence-based insights that can inform future policy and practice. While the analysis focuses on Rajasthan, many of the findings have broader relevance for other Indian states pursuing large-scale renewable energy deployment.
The reports are intended to support policymakers, renewable energy developers, researchers, financial institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders working towards a clean energy transition that is environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and economically resilient.
