Renewable energy

Energy demand is increasing in India. The conservative estimate of the Planning Commission, in the draft integrated energy policy, estimated power generation capacity requirement reaching 627,088 mw in the year 2031, from the present capacity of 130,000 mw. Further, the needs are diverse and not limited to electricity. It is also known that in case of petroleum products, the dependence will increase. Further, projections show India will have to import coal to meet the growing demand. All these indicate India should make all efforts to tap renewable energy. There is a large potential for renewable energy. It is estimated that wind, small hydro and biomass sources have the potential to generate 80,000 mw. In addition, renewables are locally available and can meet different types of decentralised energy requirements for irrigation, cooking and power, even in rural areas. Therefore, while it is clear that renewables alone may not be able to meet all the requirements, they can make substantial contribution and reduce pressure on fossil fuels. Thus, it is in the strategic interest to support development of the renewable energy sector and make it commercially viable. Development in any sector occurs as a result of combination of market demand and conducive government policy. Clearly, renewables, from the energy security point of view and for meeting local energy requirements, require a conducive policy environment. The government is presently implementing programmes through the ministry of non-conventional energy sources. The ministry has achieved some success in the development of renewables like wind power. However, the effort lacks a consistent long-term policy, which is essential for sustainable and fast development of the sector. The long-term policy should focus on major application areas like decentralised energy supply for agriculture, industry, commercial and household sectors in rural and urban areas and grid quality power generation. The policy should focus on reducing costs in the long term, by stimulating markets and leveraging private investment by providing incentives. These incentives should be linked to performance, rather than the present system of investment-based incentives. Although the Electricity Act, 2003, provided legislative support, it is limited to power generation. The policy can focus on providing similar impetus to other applications of renewable energy technologies. It could prioritise technology. It must also focus on time-bound, goal-oriented technology development, based on local needs and conditions.