policy framework suggests that renewable
FY 2011. The credit agency, has said that
energy will contribute 10 per cent of the
this increase could be attributed to higher
total power generation capacity which in
demand from the IPP segment, which in turn
turn will have a 4 to 5 per cent share in
was driven by improving regulatory clarity in
the electricity mix. Hence it is imperative
the sector with the introduction of renewable
that the growth in renewable energy sector
portfolio obligation (RPO) and renewable
will take place at a much faster pace than
energy certificate (REC) regulations. This
the traditional ones. Further, the research
capacity addition, according to ICRA, is
and development subsidy instituted by the
projected to grow at a rate of about 15%
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will
which is expected to lead to total wind energy
definitely give the impetus to the growth of
capacity of 52,000 MW by FY 2020.
the sector. Apart from this the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is encouraging private / foreign direct investment in order to tap renewable energy sources and provide fiscal and financial incentives under a wide range of programs being implemented in a phased manner.
contributes about 2,790 MW. Each of these factors in itself and in combination presents new opportunities and challenges for the sector in India. With the continued support from the Government and investor bullishness on the sector, the renewable sector is bound to reach higher levels of adoption and significance for India’s national grid and energy mix. Combating climate change is truly
The Hydro power too has taken giant strides in the recent past. India is endowed with rich hydropower potential; it ranks fifth in the world in terms of usable potential. However, less than 25% has been developed or taken up for development. Currently, the total installed capacity from small hydro
a global issue and one that all sectors of government, industry and the community at large must address. As 40% of the CO2 emission emanates from the power generation sector and the global electricity demand is expected to massively increase by 2030, the power industry must take a leadership position and play a key role in significantly
Currently, the Renewable Energy sector
power projects (less than 25 MW is) 2953
is undergoing significant changes, as it moves
MW and 914 MW of power projects are under
ahead in playing a significant role in the
development. Thus hydropower is one of the
energy security for the country. India already
potential sources for meeting the growing
has a strong base in R&D in all areas of
energy needs of the country. A judicial mix
To conclude, the present energy crisis
renewable energy but in future in order to
of hydropower in the energy portfolio can
situation demands a focal shift from fossil fuel
manage the complexity of variable power
also contribute to energy security, reduction
driven energy generation system to various
generation through smart grids, there is a
of greenhouse gas emissions, meeting the
forms of renewable energy based systems.
need to focus on technology led R&D and
peak demand and also increased flexibility
As it has already been observed that the
superlative innovation. Also as mentioned,
in grid operation. The Government of India
renewable energy sector has the potential to
our policy framework- Generation Based
is, therefore, giving special emphasis to
create employment opportunities at different
Incentives for wind power projects, solar
accelerated hydropower development in its
levels, and if the policy makers, government
specific Renewable Purchase Obligations,
power development plans.
agencies and private sector focus on capacity
tradable Renewable Energy Certificates- is extremely renewable friendly and supportive. Grid-connected renewables capacity in India stood at 22 GW, comprising 11% of total power generation in the country in 2011.
Also to give the necessary support and boost to the biomass based generation, the government is looking at forming a National Bio Energy Mission to push sustainable development of the renewable energy sector.
The future looks bright for Solar too. The
70% of India’s population lives in rural areas
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission
and has limited access to the grid electricity.
(JNNSM) envisages a capacity addition of
This mission can create much needed
20,000 MW of grid solar power by 2022. In
opportunities for generation and distribution
fact enthused by the success of the first phase
of biomass based electricity where grid
the government has scaled up the second
electricity supply is not possible, feasible or
phase (2013 -17) target from 3,000MW to
a low quality one. It is estimated that the
9,000MW and is mulling fresh incentives
total surplus biomass availability in India is
for potential investors. Even in wind the
around 150 million tonnes having capacity
latest ICRA report looks very positive. ICRA
to generate 16 GW of power. Currently,
expects wind based capacity addition to touch
total installed power generation capacity
2800 MW during the current FY 2012, an
of India is around 1,76,990 MW. As per the
upward revision of nearly 451 MW from
latest statistics published by MNRE, biomass
the high of 2,349 MW that was added in
based power including bagasse cogeneration
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EQ INTERNATIONAL January/February 12
reducing its emissions.
Conclusion
building with regard to manpower training and the overall infrastructure development it will definitely be a game-changer for the Renewable energy sector in India. This will definitely help in achieving overall industrial and economic growth apart from mitigating the impact of climate change.
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