Question : FDI in Renewable Energy Sector

(a) the ranking of India in the world’s renewable energy capacity;
(b) the quantum of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) received during each of the last three years and the current year;
(c) the number of renewable energy plants functional in the country as on date, State/UT-wise;
(d) whether the Government is aware that the financial condition of renewable energy sector are on verge of collapse; and
(e) If so, the details thereof and the reasons for the same along with the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER (I/C)
(SHRI R.K. SINGH)

(a) As per Global Status Report-2018 of REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century), India ranked 5th in Renewable Power Capacity (including hydropower) and 4th (not including hydropower) as of end 2017.
(b) The FDI data cell of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) compiles and maintains the data of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Equity inflow received in the country. The FDI equity inflow from April, 2015 to June, 2018 in the Non-Conventional Energy Sector is as under:-
Sl No Year FDI in US$ million
1 2015-16 Apr-Mar 776.51
2 2016-17 783.57
3 2017-18 1,204.46
4 2018-19 Apr-Jun 452.89
Grand Total 3,217.43
(c) The details of State-wise installed capacity of Grid Interactive Renewable Power as on 30-11-2018 are given in Annexure. A total of 81.15 billion units (BU) of power have been generated in the year 2018-19 (up to October 2018) from all renewable energy sources.
(d) & (e) The Renewable Energy projects are mostly being implemented in the private sector. As on 30-11-2018, a total capacity of around 73.95 GW has been installed in the country of which 37.84 GW has been added during the last four and half year. The steps taken by the Government to support the renewable energy sector, inter-alia, include: fiscal and promotional incentives such as capital subsidy, accelerated depreciation, waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges and losses, viability gap funding (VGF) and permitting Foreign Direct Investment up to 100 per cent under the automatic route. Also, to ensure cheaper generation of renewable energy, projects are awarded through transparent bidding process i.e. through e-reverse auction. The Government has issued standard bidding guidelines to enable the distribution licensees to procure power at competitive rates in cost effective manner.
*****