14.30 GW Renewable Energy Capacity added during last two and half years: Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines in Rajya Sabha on Monday said that 14.30 GW of renewable energy capacity has been added during last two and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power. 14.30 GW of renewable energy capacity added during last two and half years includes 5.8 GW from Solar Power, 7.04 GW from Wind Power, 0.53 from Small Hydro Power and 0.93 from Bio-power.

Goyal further stated that NITI Aayog presented the achievement of the various infrastructure Ministries including MNRE before PM Modi on 22nd August 2016. The progress and overall achievement made under Solar Power, Solar Roof Top, Solar power capacity tendered, Wind Power, state policies etc. were satisfactory.

The target set for the various renewable energy sources for the next three years are:

In order to achieve the targets, various initiatives have been taken by the Government which interalia include:

• Amendments in the Tariff Policy for strong enforcement of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and for providing Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO);
• Setting up of exclusive solar parks;
• Development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project;
• Identification of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop projects;
• Provision of roof top solar and 10 percent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities;
• Amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of roof top solar for new construction or higher FAR;
• Infrastructure status for solar projects;
• Raising tax free solar bonds;
• Making roof top solar a part of housing loan by banks/NHB;

Incorporating measures in Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for encouraging distribution companies and making net-metering compulsory

• Raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also from the Green Climate Fund to achieve the target. and
• Creation of Surya Mitras for installation and maintenance of the Solar Projects.

“In coming years, Ministry is going to focus on : conducive policies for promotion of Grid Interactive Renewable Power so as to reach 175 GW by 2022, Low cost Financing with long tenure for Renewable Energy technologies and Projects, creation of transmission infrastructure for evacuation of Renewable Power, focus on promoting indigenous technologies, technological innovation and research & development in the renewable sector and creation of qualified and skilled man power,” said Goyal.