Friday, December 21, 2012

Government Takes Several Steps to Increase Power Generation Capacity in Renewable Energy
The Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah informed Lok Sabha that total installed capacity of power generation in the country is 2,10,544 MW. This includes 26,267 MW from various renewable energy sources. The contribution of renewable energy is about 12.45% in the total installed capacity. A target of 30 GW grid interactive renewable power capacity addition, comprising 15 GW from wind, 10 GW from solar, 2 GW from small hydro and 3 GW from biomass has been proposed for the Twelfth Five Year plan period.
The Government has taken several steps to increase power generation capacity of renewable energy sources. These include:
• Fiscal and financial incentives, such as, capital/ interest subsidy, accelerated depreciation, concessional excise and customs duties;
• Preferential tariff for grid interactive renewable power in most potential States.
• A minimum percentage for purchase of electricity by distribution companies from renewable energy sources.
• Guidelines by CERC to SERCs for fixation of preferential tariffs.
• Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission to give a boost to deployment solar photovoltaic as well as solar thermal systems.