Question : Generation of Solar Power

(a) whether the Government has set a target of generating 15000 megawatts of solar power in the next five years, if so, the details thereof ;

(b) whether the Government seeks to offer solar power generation bundled with thermal energy generation, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any resistance /objections from the power companies have been received since generation of solar power is reportedly much costlier than thermal power, if so, the details thereof along with the response of the Government thereto; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to offer any subsidy to large scale solar power generating companies to compensate to make good for the losses incurred by them, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a): The Government has set a target of 1,00,000 megawatts of solar power by year 2022. Out of this 1,00,000 megawatts, 40,000 megawatts are to be set up as solar roof-top power plants and the balance 60,000 megawatts are to be set up as large scale grid-connected solar power projects.
(b): Government is implementing schemes wherein solar power is bundled with thermal power to bring down the overall tariff. One such scheme presently under implementation is the 3,000 MW State-specific bundling scheme, wherein 3,000 MW of solar power is to be bundled with 1,500 MW of unallocated quota of thermal power from NTPC Limited’s coal based power plants.
(c): Power distribution companies of States are obliged to purchase renewable power under Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs). Accordingly the power distribution companies of States are buying solar power in order to fulfill their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs). The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) under its various schemes offers solar power to those States where the State Governments / State power distribution companies give their willingness to buy such power.
(d): No Madam. There is no such proposal under consideration to offer any subsidy to large scale solar power generating companies. The Government is already offering various incentives to solar power generators like 10 year income tax holiday, accelerated depreciation, exemption from excise duties and concession on import duties on components and equipment required for initial setting up of solar power plant.
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