Question : Renewable Energy Sources

(a) whether the country is tapping the optimal potential of various renewable energy sources like wind, solar, tidal, small hydro projects etc. and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(b) whether the Government proposes to develop infrastructure to tap the renewable energy potential to the maximum extent across the county and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the State Governments are keenly interested to start new initiatives in this regard and if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(d) whether any international Assistance / collaborations are presently in progress and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL , NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY & MINES (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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Statement

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION
No. 178 for ANSWER ON 28/07/2016

(a) Yes Madam. The endeavour of the Government is to tap the optimal potential of various renewable energy sources. A cumulative capacity addition of over 44 GW has been reported against an estimated potential of over 1096 GW from various renewable energy sources i.e. Solar, Wind, Small Hydro Power and Biomass. State-wise details of the source wise estimated potential viz-a-viz installed capacity is given in the annexure.
(b) The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy(MNRE) is implementing various schemes and programmes to develop sectoral infrastructure for promotion of Renewable Energy sources in the country. This Government has set an ambitious enhanced target of renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022.
In order to achieve the target, certain steps have been taken such as amendments to the Electricity Act and Tariff Policy for strong enforcement of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and providing Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO).
The Government proposes to develop infrastructure to tap renewable energy potential to the maximum extent by setting up exclusive solar parks; development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project; Rooftop projects in industries and large Government complexes/ buildings; making a provision of 10 percent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission Statement, Guidelines for development of smart cities; amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of Roof Top Solar for new construction or higher Floor Area Ratio & infrastructure status for solar projects.
In order to infuse funds into this sector steps such as, raising of tax free solar bonds; providing long tenor loans; making roof top solar a part of housing loan by banks/ NHB have been taken. Further, states are encouraged for raising funds from bilateral and international Banks as also from the Green Climate Fund to achieve the target.
(c) Yes Madam. The states are taking keen interest for the promotion of power from various Renewable Energy sources. So far 34 Solar parks with a total capacity of 20000 MW in 21 states have been sanctioned. 100 MW capacity on Canal tops / Canal banks projects in 8 states have been sanctioned. Solar rooftop policies / regulations have been declared by 28 States. States are also identifying new Small Hydro Power and Wind power potential sites.
(d) Government has initiated various bilateral cooperation programmes with several countries through Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) / Agreements. These MoUs / Agreements are based on the principles of reciprocity and mutual benefits. In addition, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Department of International Development (DFID) and European Union (EU) are some of the main foreign agencies / organizations supporting demonstration projects and capacity building in India.