India: Govt to focus on renewable energy sources

Concerned over the rising petroleum import bill, the government plans to generate more than 80,000 MW power from renewable energy sources by 2032. The ministry of new and renewable energy has said by the end of the 15th Five-Year-Plan grid-interactive renewable power (wind, small hydro, bio-mass and bagasse) capacity could reach about 84,776 MW corresponding to a share of five per cent in the then electricity-mix.
A budgetary support of Rs 1,500 crore had been proposed for research, design and development in new and renewable energy during the 11th Plan period. The estimated potential to generate electricity from bio power (agro residues and plantations) was 16,881 MW, wind power 45,195 MW, small hydro power (up to 25 MW) 15,000 MW, cogeneration-bagasse 5,000 MW and urban waste 2,700 MW.

However, at present only a small portion of this is being harnessed from these sources ~ bio power (agro residues and plantations) 524.8 MW, wind power 7,092 MW, small hydro power 975.6 MW, cogeneration-bagasse 615.83 MW and urban waste 43.45 MW.

Statesman