Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has expressed full confidence in achieving its renewable power generation target, including Roof Top Solar target by 2022. Recently, a report by CRISIL had stated that India may fall short of its declared renewable energy target of 1,75,000 MW by the year 2022.
Roof Top Solar Phase-II programme SRISTI (Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India) scheme for accelerated deployment of solar roof top systems in the country was introduced in February this year. Under this scheme Central Financial Assistance for 4000 MW of small roof top capacity and incentives to Distribution Companies for 18,000 MW capacity by 2022 have been provided. These schemes will also act as catalyst for adding solar cell and module manufacturing capacity in India. Further, the Tariff Policy is being revised to ensure timely adoption of tariffs.
However, CRISIL Research believes that the unstable policy environment poses a big risk for the country’s renewable energy targets. However, the Ministry says that it has worked systematically to resolve various issues that arise from time to time, putting in place facilitative and ease of doing business policies and programmes for achieving the goal.
India’s renewable energy programme is much beyond production of electricity and covers a basket of applications including use of solar thermal energy for cooling, heating, drying and other industrial applications. Renewable energy has emerged as a true multi-benefit system, combining ecological necessities with domestic priorities, economic and job creation opportunities.
