Question : Renewable Energy

(a) whether the Union Government has taken any steps for the promotion of renewable energy sources viz wind energy, solar energy, biomass and small hydro electric power stations;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of power generation capacity of each of the above said forms of energies; and
(d) whether a huge gap has been found in power generation cost of solar energy in the country from July, 2014 to December, 2016 and if so, the details of maximum and minimum power generation costs between the said period?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) & (b): The step taken by Government for promotion of renewable energy sources viz wind energy, solar energy, biomass and small hydro power includes:
? Incentives in the forms of generation based incentives/subsidies, fiscal incentives such as accelerated depreciation, concessional customs duty, excise duty exemptions, income tax holiday for 10 years and viability gap funding from NCEF.
? Up-scaling of the target of renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by the year 2022 which includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from bio-power and 5 GW from small hydro-power
? amendments in the Tariff Policy for strong enforcement of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and for providing Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO);
? setting up of exclusive solar parks;
? development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project;
? identification of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop projects;
? infrastructure status for solar projects;
? raising tax free solar bonds;
? making roof top solar a part of housing loan by banks/NHB;
? incorporating measures in Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for encouraging distribution companies and making net-metering compulsory
? raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also from the Green Climate Fund to achieve the target. and
? creation of Surya Mitras for installation and maintenance of the Solar Projects.

(c): As on 31.12.2016, a total of about 50.01 GW of Grid-interactive Renewable power generation capacity has been installed in the country which include 28.70 GW from Wind Power, 9.01 GW from Solar, 7.97 GW from Bio-power and 4.33 GW from Small Hydro Power.
(d): The tariff of solar power projects varies from State to State depending upon solar irradiance, cost of land, size of the project, cost of funding and duration of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The highest tariff through competitive bidding has been found to be Rs.8.60/kWh in the State of Uttar Pradesh for a project of 215 MW in June 2015. This PPA was signed for 12 years after which Average Power Purchase Cost (APPC) would apply. The lowest tariff has been found to be Rs.4.34/kWh in January 2016 in the State of Rajasthan for a project of 420 MW where PPA was signed for 25 years.