News

Govt eyes 10,000 solar, wind, and biomass projects in 5 years

The central government,set a target to start at least 10,000 solar, wind and biomass-based power projects in five years, which will serve small groups of customers, especially in rural areas.The target is part of the draft national policy on renewable energy-based micro and mini grids released by the Union ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE).A mini grid includes a renewable energy power generator with a capacity of 10 KW and above, supplying electricity for residential, commercial, institutional or other users. Micro grids are similar, but will have capacity below 10 KW. The ministry has sought comments from all stakeholders by 20 June.“The objective of the policy is to promote the deployment of micro and mini grids powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, biomass, pico hydro, wind in un-served and underserved parts of the country,” said the draft policy.

As micro and mini grids are mainstreamed, it will enable in meeting the goals of reducing dependency on fossil fuels, providing clean power to rural households, and meeting their aspirational needs. The ministry, therefore, plans to support its expansion on a large scale through its various ongoing programmes,” the policy added. India already has plans to achieve 175 GW of renewable power (both grid connected and off grid solutions) by 2022. Of this, 100 GW is planned from solar power alone. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had increased India’s solar power target