(a) whether generation of power through renewable sources of energy is much less than the potential in the country;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken to increase the renewable energy sources to meet the required potential?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)
(a), (b) & (c): The potential for renewable energy in the country from wind, small hydro and biomass has been estimated at around 80,000 MW. Against this estimated potential, around 5500 MW grid interactive renewable power installed capacity has been set up as on 31-12-2004. The aim is to deploy around 10 percent of the additional grid interactive power installed capacity from renewables during the 10th and 11th Plan periods. During the first two years of the 10th Plan, 10 and 2 percentage points of grid interactive power installed capacity has come from wind and small hydro power respectively, apart from 3 percentage points from bioenergy thereby making it a total of 15 percentage points of grid interactive renewable power installed capacity. Hence, the rate of deployment of these renewable technologies is highly satisfactory. Financial incentives apart from fiscal incentives such as accelerated depreciation, relief in taxes and duties and term loans from financial institutions are being provided. In addition, preferential tariff to grid interactive renewable power is available in several potential states.