Grid Interactive Renewable Power in India—a Review

In February 2015, India announced 175 gigawatts (GW) of capacity additions in renewable power by 2022. Private sector dominates the Grid Interactive Renewable Power (GIRP) but at the same time is dependent on government policies substantially. The scenario of high investment costs is changing, especially in the case of wind and solar power, yet the challenges like high debt cost, variability output, inadequate grid infrastructure, and competition with conventional power prevail. A state-wise analysis reveals that the installed capacities in case of wind and biomass respond strongly to the power tariff for industries while the relationship with the benchmark tariffs is weak though positive. Solar potential is still largely untapped but gaining momentum. With time, it is important to create a scenario wherein GIRP responds strongly to the benchmark tariff identified by the states as presently it responds to power tariff for industries for augmented interest of private sector as one of the means of achieving the ambitious renewable energy targets.