(a) the present status of achievement of goals set by International Solar Alliance which was launched during the sidelines of Paris Convention, 2015;
(b) the salient features of the solar policy of the Government;
(c) the places where mega solar projects have been installed and details of their production and capacity, State-wise; and
(d) the progress made under the canal solar project and the funds sanctioned for this purpose, State-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a): The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched on 30 November 2015 in Paris, France on the side-lines of the 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change with broad goals of bringing clean, affordable, and renewable energy within the reach of all and undertake innovative and concerted efforts for reducing the cost of finance and cost of technology for immediate deployment of competitive solar generation in the member countries of the ISA.
The Framework Agreement for setting up of the ISA was opened for signature on 15 November 2016 in Marrakech, Morocco on the side-lines of 22nd meeting of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. So far, 25 countries have signed the Agreement. With ratification of the Framework Agreement by a minimum of 15 countries, the ISA will become an international body.
(b) & (c) : Salient features of the solar policy include: a) provision of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) for solar under the National Tariff Policy ; b) notification of the long term growth trajectory of RPO for solar and non-solar energy for next 3 years from 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19; c) development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects; d) support for developing Solar PV Power Plants on Canal Banks/ Canal Tops; e) schemes of grid connected Solar PV Power Projects by Defense Establishments, Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) with viability Gap Funding; f) roof-top Solar PV systems made eligible for home loans; g) concessional import duty/excise duty exemption for setting up of solar power plants, accelerated depreciation and tax holiday; h) creation of Payment Security Mechanism; i) setting up of Green Energy Corridors for evacuation of renewable power; j) waiver of wheeling charges on Inter-State Transmission System network; and k) subsidy for setting up off-grid and decentralized solar systems.
State-wise status of grid connected solar power projects as on 31 December 2016 is enclosed at Annexure-I.
(d): State wise details of canal solar projects, as on 31 December 2016, is enclosed at Annexure II.