Rajasthan’s energy partnership with Utah
The US-India State and Urban Initiative, led by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has announced a unique partnership between the Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development and the Energy Department of the state of Rajasthan.
After a dialogue focused on emergent energy challenges and opportunities, state officials have created a framework to bolster energy policy best practices sharing and support the development of the energy sector in both states.
The discussion focused on challenges and opportunities for collaboration between the two states, including renewable energy integration, power plant flexibility, transmission and distribution sector issues, energy storage, and electric mobility.
Representatives of key private sector energy industries from Rajasthan and Utah were present in the dialogue
Naresh Pal Gangwar, Rajasthan’s principal secretary for energy, said, “while it is uncommon for states to forge these kinds of alliances, we are taking the leap in the spirit of collaboration and an understanding that as we navigate our energy transition, we can learn from and inform potential partners around the world.”
Laura Nelson, energy advisor to the Utah governor, said, “In four years, Utah has experienced a 150% growth in renewable energy in advancing affordable, reliable and clean power options for its thriving economy and high quality of life. Given our states’ shared interests, our similar arid landscapes, and our unparalleled rich and diverse energy resources, there is much we can learn from, and partner on.”
The Utah-Rajasthan Energy Cooperation Agreement was signed to advance state-level policy exchanges to strengthen grid resilience through integration of diverse renewable sources and technologies; drive collaborative pathways for leading research institutions and organizations in Utah and Rajasthan to share emerging knowledge of innovative energy solutions; and to develop direct ties between Utah and Rajasthan for creating new grid and off-grid energy availability through renewable energy, storage options, clean energy solutions, and transportation electrification.
Supported by the US State Department, the US - India State and Urban Initiative is “breaking new ground in connecting US and Indian states to dialogue about their shared fate in managing the energy transition,” said Kartikeya Singh, senior fellow of the Energy and National Security Programme at CSIS.
“Be it Salt Lake City or Jaipur, the energy transition is underway. The sooner we broaden the geography of innovation and learning between states, the better placed we’ll be to manage this transition effectively and create new economic opportunities for all.”