(a) the steps taken by the Government to promote the use of `Solar Energy` in the country, including the North-Eastern region, during the past year;
(b) whether the Government has signed any Memorandum of Understanding with any country for financing/technology sharing for solar projects; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a): The steps taken by the Government to promote the use of “Solar Energy” in the country, including North-Eastern region are as under:
i. Grant of subsidy on off-grid applications.
ii. Provision for renewable purchase obligation for solar has been made in the National Tariff Policy.
iii. Concessional Import duty/Excise duty exemption for setting up of solar power plants, accelerated depreciation and tax holiday.
iv. Generation based incentive and facility for bundled power for Grid connected Solar & Wind Power Projects through various interventions announced from time to time.
v. Awareness programmes such as exhibitions, training workshops etc. are being conducted.
vi. Several R&D efforts have been initiated for new technologies and improvement in efficiency.
vii. Private Solar Power Developers are free to choose the technology based on their financial position and other related factors.
(b)&(c): Presently, there is no MoU with any country for financial/technology sharing . However, a LoI has been signed with Government of Germany for raising finances to the extent of Euro 1 billion with the help of KfW (Germany).