On December 27, 2019 the union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy (MoP,NRE) Shri Raj Kumar Singh has announced that India is likely to cross its 100 GigaWatt (GW) energy capacity mark in 2020. However the govt also needed to promote storage to ensure 24×7 clean energy supply as coal fired thermal power still remains as the basic use in the country.
Key speech by RK Singh:
- Storage will not only be necessary for the growth of RE but also will remain as a pre-condition in reducing our dependence on conventional energy resources like hydrocarbons and coal as they are exhaustible and also cause pollution.
- Some of the storage systems include storage systems such as Lithium-ion batteries, pumped Hydro and Hydrogen.
- Issues related to the renewables growth: Lack of interest in funding renewable energy projects, imported solar projects, ambiguity in goods and services tax (GST) on solar equipment etc are some of the factors that hamper the growth of renewables.
- Energy generation so far: By November 2019 end around 86 GW of installed renewable energy generation capacity was made. The energy generation includes the field of solar, wind, small hydro, biomass, waste to energy and others.
- Around 30 GW renewable capacity, which includes 18 GW solar and 10 Gw wind energy, is under implementation. Apart from that, around 40 GW including 36 Gw solar and 3.4 Gw wind energy, are also being tendered.
Schemes promoting renewable energy:
- Several programs were initiated by the govt. to promote renewable energy sector. These included initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evem Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) , solar rooftop phase-2, development of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks (UMREPPs) etc.
- Some of the steps by govt for proper management & promotion of renewable energy sector also include creation of dispute resolution committee, implementation of SARAL platform in assessing states in rooftop management etc.
Issues faced by Renewable energy sector:
i.According to the Solar Power Developers Association (SPDA), the renewable energy sector faced various issues due to policy uncertainties. These include GST rates for SPGS (solar power generating systems), forecasting & scheduling mechanism etc
ii.PRAAPTI data:
As per the portal of PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power Procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators),
- The overdue in Discoms (distribution companies) over non-conventional and or renewable energy generators is Rs 5,590 crores as on October 2019.
- In case of conventional power generators, the overdue amount was even higher at around Rs. 65, 000 crores.
- Overdue standing of Discoms: It is the dues that are not cleared even after 60 days of grace period offered by the generators.
About Ministry of Power and New and Renewable Energy(MoP,NRE):
Founded- 1992 as Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources.
Headquarters- New Delhi.
Minister of State (MoS)- RK. Singh.
