(a) whether the targets set for power generation from renewable energy sources during the
Eleventh Five Year Plan have been achieved so far;
(b) if so, the details thereof State-wise and year-wise and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any survey to increase the power generation from these sources;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the government to augment power generation from these sources?
THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)
(a) & (b): A capacity addition of 12,300 MW grid-interactive renewable power (comprising
9000 MW wind power, 1400 Small Hydro power, 1700 MW Biomass power, 80 MW Urban/ Industrial
Waste-to-power and 50 MW Solar power) is targeted during the 11th Plan period based on Mid
Term Appraisal. Against this target, around 5,282 MW capacity (comprising 3,797 MW wind power,
547 MW Small Hydro power, 917. MW Biomass power, 20 MW Urban/ Industrial Waste-to-power and
1 MW Solar power) has been set up during the plan period upto 31.10.2009. State-wise targets
are not fixed as the activity is largely in private sector. State-wise and year-wise details
of the capacity added are given in Annexure.
(c) & (d): Based on various studies and surveys, a potential of around 90,000 MWeq for
power generation from different renewable energy sources (excluding solar) in the country
has been estimated which include 48,561 MW from wind, 14,294 MW from small hydro and 26,367
MW from bio-power. The potential for solar energy is estimated for most parts of the country
at around 20 MW per square kilometer of open, shadow free area covered with solar collectors.
(e) : The Government has taken various measures to augment power generation from renewable
energy sources, mainly with private investment. It is providing various fiscal and financial
incentives for renewable power projects that include capital/ interest subsidy, accelerated
depreciation and nil/ concessional excise and customs duties. Under the Electricity Act 2003,
it has been made obligatory upon State Electricity Regulatory Authorities to fix a minimum
percentage for purchase of electricity from renewable sources taking into account local
factors. Preferential tariff for grid interactive renewable power is being given in most
potential States following the provisions made under the National Electricity Policy 2005
and National Tariff Policy 2006. Uniform guidelines by CERC for fixation of such preferential
tariffs have been issued recently. The National Solar Mission approved recently is also
expected to enable large-scale capital investment in solar power generation.