Question : LOW CARBON CAMPAIGN



(a) whether certain Information Technology (IT) companies have started low carbon campaigns, including generation and supply of electricity from diverse renewable sources;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government to provide regulatory, fiscal and institutional incentives to the IT companies for developing India – specific solutions for realizing full potential of renewable energy and enhancing energy security of the country?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (DR. FAROOQ ABDULLAH)

(a)&(b): Yes Madam. Modern Information & Communication Technology (ICT) can facilitate efficient and low carbon development in every sector, including generation and supply of electricity from diverse sources - conventional or renewable. Considering the good market potential/ business prospects of ICT in providing solutions that bring about more efficiency in power generation and distribution through real time information, control & net-metering, the interest of the IT companies in this sector appears to be only natural.

(c): Realization of full potential of renewable energy is constrained mainly by limitations of resource characteristics/ technology/ cost rather than the use of IT. Also, the contribution of electricity generation from renewable sources in the total electricity mix in the country is less than 5%. As such, the existing regulatory measures and the general incentives already available to IT companies are considered sufficient at this juncture for development of IT solutions for specifically the renewable power sector.