(a) whether the Government has assessed the benefits of the use of solar energy in place of conventional energy;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has prepared any action plan to exploit solar energy at a large scale;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government proposes to distribute solar heater, solar cooker at subsidized rate with a view to promote the use of solar energy; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. The assessed benefits of the use of solar energy in place of conventional energy are:
# Solar Energy is clean and nonpolluting.
# It reduces the CO2 emissions into environment.
# Foreign exchange savings, because of fossil fuel substitution.
# Better energy access, energy security and energy equity.
# Solar power plants will have less gestation period, compare with conventional power plants.
(c)&(d): The Government has prepared an action plan under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) for Grid and Off-grid Solar energy to install 20,000 MW Grid, 2,000 MW Off-grid power projects and 20 Million Square meter collector area in India.
(e)&(f): Ministry is promoting the use of solar energy by popularizing solar heater, solar cooker. Ministry is providing a capital subsidy upto 30 % for general category states and upto 60 % for special category states like Jammu & Kashmir, North-East states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Union Territories and Districts of International borders for Solar Cookers.