(a) whether the Government have any scheme to optimise the use of solar energy for lighting and cooking in the rural areas;
(b) if so, whether the private sector companies have shown interest in manufacturing these solar cookers and solar lamps;
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(c) if so, whether the Government are contemplating to provide incentives for the use of wind power for producing light etc.; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (SHRI M. KANNAPPAN)
(a): The Government has been promoting the use of solar cookers for cooking applications and of photovoltaic devices for lighting applications both in urban and rural areas through various schemes of the Ministry. These schemes include promotional scheme on box solar cookers, demonstration scheme on concentrating type solar cookers, subsidy scheme for solar home systems, street lights and solar power plants, a soft loan scheme for photovoltaic systems and a specific scheme for village electrification. A total of around 5,29,000 box solar cookers, 2,27,419 solar home systems, 4,36,350 solar lanterns, 42,946 street lights and 3.775 MW capacity of power plants have been installed under these schemes till 31.12.2002. In addition, 3612 villages and hamlets have been electrified partially or fully through solar energy.
(b): About 45 private manufacturers are involved in manufacturing and sale of solar cookers. In addition, over 50 private sector companies are involved in manufacturing of solar photovoltaic devices including solar lanterns.
(c)&(d): To promote the use of wind power for lighting and other applications, the Government has been providing the following incentives :
1. Small Aero-generators & Hybrid systems - Central financial assistance in the range of 50 to 75% of the ex-works cost of the systems subject to a maximum of Rs. 2.00 lakhs/ kW depending on the category of the user.
2. Wind power projects - Soft loans from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) for establishment of commercial projects. In addition, fiscal and financial incentives are available from the government to the developers of wind power projects.