Power generation in India from renewable energy sources

NEW DELHI, INDIA: A capacity of about 5,531 MW grid-interactive power generation from various renewable energy sources has been installed up to 31.1.2010 against a target of 12,300 MW for 11th Five Year Plan.

Giving this information in a reply in the Lok Sabha last Friday, the Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that the details of such capacity addition include, Wind Power ─ 3,857 MW (9,000 MW 11th Plan target), Small Hydro Power ─ 619.53 MW (1,400 MW), Biomass power ─ 322 MW (500 MW), Bagasse Cogeneration ─ 704.20 MW (1,200 MW), Solar power ─ 8.10 MW (50 MW) and Urban and Industrial waste-to-energy ─ 20.10 MW (79 MW).

A total grid-interactive renewable power generation capacity of 15,789 MW has been installed in the country as on 31.1.2010. The Minister also said that a total amount of Rs.390.78 crore has been released under various programmes for promotion of renewable energy sources in the country during FY 2009-10 till February, 2010.

Dr. Abdullah further informed the House that the Government has taken several steps mainly by way of suitable policy/ regulatory measures for achieving the plan targets and augmenting power generation through renewable energy sources throughout the country. These include the following:

• Fiscal and financial incentives, such as, capital/ interest subsidy, accelerated depreciation, nil/ concessional excise and customs duties;
• Preferential tariff for grid interactive renewable power in most potential States following the provisions made under the National Electricity Policy 2005 and National Tariff Policy 2006;
• Directives under Electricity Act 2003 to all States for fixing a minimum percentage for purchase of electricity from renewable energy sources taking into account local factors.
• Uniform guidelines by CERC for fixation of such preferential tariffs have been issued recently.
• Generation Based Incentives Scheme for Wind Power has been introduced to attract private investment by Independent Power Producers not availing Accelerated Depreciation benefit.
• Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission has been approved recently to give a boost to deployment of solar energy systems, solar photovoltaic as well as solar thermal, with an approved target for the first phase upto March 2013 of 1,100 MW of grid connected solar power plants, 200 MW capacity equivalent off-grid solar applications and 7 million square metre solar thermal collector area.

Other steps taken include support for sector specific seminars/ workshops/training programs and creation of publicity and awareness through electronic and print media on the need and usefulness of renewable energy.