Question : Assessment of Solar Energy

(a) the estimated power in megawatt being produced and likely to be produced from the solar energy in the country, State/UT-wise;
(b) whether the Government has made any assessment of solar energy potential in the country and if so, the details thereof;
c) the details of funds allocated, sanctioned and utilized for growth of solar energy sector in the country, State/UT-wise; and
(d) whether the Government is aware of the obstacles faced by the said sector;
(e ) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/being taken by the Government to tackle the situation;
(f) whether the Government proposes to set up more projects to strengthen the solar energy production in the country; and
(g) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor, State-wise?

THE MINISTER OF NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

(SHRI R.K. SINGH)

(a) A cumulative solar power capacity of 46,246.80 MW has been set up in the country. The State/UT-wise details are given in Annexure.
(b) The National Institute of Solar Energy has assessed the potential of solar power in the country as 750 GWp (approx..) on the basis of availability of land and solar radiation.
(c) The details of funds released for solar programmes during the last three years and the current year are as under:
(In Rs.cr)
Year Released
2018-19 2524.65
2019-20 1995.67
2020-21 1355.71
2021-22 1425.16
(as on 31.10.2021)

(d)&(e) The major challenges in the implementation of solar projects are land allotment and grid infrastructure. Efforts are being made to address these issues. These are:

(i). This Ministry has introduced new modes for better implementation of the solar park scheme to solve the problem of land allotment, one of these include Mode-5 wherein CPSUs can setup solar parks in their own land or on third party land. Ministry has also introduced a new Mode (Mode-8) with a provision to incentivize the states for facilitation in procurement of land.





(ii). This apart, waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30th June 2025, has been allowed by the Government.
(iii). Dedicated transmission system for renewable energy has been taken up under Green Energy Corridor Scheme.

(f)&(g) In line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s announcement at the recently concluded CoP26, the Government is committed to achieve 500 GW of installed electricity capacity in the country from non-fossil fuel sources, including solar energy, by the year 2030.

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