Renewable energy sector makes rapid strides

As a part of nationally determined contributions as per the Paris accord on climate change, India has made a pledge that by 2030, 40 percent of our installed power generation capacity shall be from non-fossil fuel sources and also by 2030, reduce emission intensity of GDP by 33-35  percent from 2005 level. Economic growth, increasing prosperity, a growing rate of urbanisation and rising per capita energy consumption has increased the energy demand of the country.

Keeping in view the above and our commitment for a healthy planet with less carbon intensive economy, we decided in 2015 that 175 GW of renewable energy capacity will be installed by the year 2022. This includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from biomass and 5 GW from small hydro power. The substantial higher capacity target will ensure greater energy security, improved energy access and enhanced employment opportunities. With the accomplishment of these ambitious targets, India will become one of the largest Green Energy producers in the world, surpassing several developed countries.

The Prime Minister in his address atto Climate Action Summit stated that “India’s renewable energy capacity would be increased to much beyond 175 GW, and later till 450 GW”.In line with the objective of expanding renewable energy sector, several important initiatives were taken during year 2019.

MAJOR INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN DURING THE YEAR 2019

• Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM)

In a major initiative towards making Annadata also Urjadata PM-KUSUM scheme was approved on 8^th March 2019 and implementation guidelines were issued on 22.7.2019. State-wise allocation of capacities for the first year was made on 13.8.2019. The scheme covers grid-connected RE power plants (0.5 – 2 MW)/ Solar water pumps/ grid connected agriculture pumps and has three components.

• Standard bidding guidelines

The Ministry has issued Guidelines for Tariff Based Competitive Bidding Process for Procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar and Wind Power Projects with an objective to provide a framework for procurement of solar and wind power through a transparent process of bidding including standardisation of the process and defining of roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders.

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This Ministry has undertaken a scheme to develop Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) under the existing Solar Park Scheme. The objective of the UMREPP is to provide land upfront to the project developer and facilitate transmission infrastructure for developing Renewable Energy (RE) based UMPPs with solar/wind/hybrid and also with storage system, if required.