Question : ASSESSMENT BY TECHNICAL EXPERTS

(a) whether as per the assessment of technical experts there is a vast potential for generation of power through wind, solar energy and biomass in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether there is uneven power generation through new and renewable sources of energy among various States/UTs in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(e) the steps being taken to ensure that power generation through renewable energy sources takes place uniformly across various States/UTs in the country?

MINISTER FOR NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)

(a)&(b): Based on various studies undertaken, there is an estimated potential of about 2,45,000 MW for power generation from wind, solar, small hydro and biomass in the country. State/UT-wise details thereof are given in Annexure-I.

(c)&(d): The power generation through renewable sources of energy depends on the potential of renewable energy in the States and the policy/priorities set by the particular States/UTs. State/UT-wise power generation capacity set up through renewable sources of energy are given in Annexure-II.

(c): The Ministry is encouraging all the States to develop power generation projects using renewable energy. In this regard, the Government is giving various fiscal and financial incentives, such as capital/interest subsidy, generation based incentives, accelerated depreciation, concessional excise and customs duties. However, setting up of renewable energy power generating projects in a particular State depends on available potential and its economic viability.