NEP on bold announcements

The National Energy Policy (NEP) aims to chart the way forward to meet the Government’s bold announcements in the energy domain, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State (IC) for the Ministry of Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines, said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha on November 21, 2016

The NEP’s four key objectives are access at affordable prices, improved energy security and independence, greater sustainability and economic growth, he said.

NEP builds on the achievements of the earlier omnibus energy policy – the Integrated Energy Policy (IEP), and sets the new agenda consistent with the redefined role of emerging developments in the energy world.

There is a need to support the trends which usher in efficiency by a pro-active policy, Goyal added.

The NEP will coordinate energy developments which is managed by different ministries that have the primary responsibility of setting their own sectoral agenda, said Goyal.

While steps have already been taken by the Government to embed many such developments in the sectoral energy policies, however, it is desirable to Goyal emphasized the government’s desire to develop a clear roadmap so that there is clarity amongst all the stakeholders on the Government’s long-term energy agenda.

Long term investors, both on supply and demand sides, need clarity on stable energy policy outlook, he stressed.

Separately, the Minister said five Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) to Energy Plants of 66.5 MW capacity are currently operational/under trial run in the country.

These are based on state, City/Town & Capacity (MW): Maharashtra, Solapur, 3.0; Delhi, Okhla, 12.0; Delhi, Ghazipur, 16.0; Delhi, Narela-Bhawana, 24.0; Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur, 11.5.

Goyal said 14.30 GW of renewable energy has been reported during the last two and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power, which include 5.8 GW from Solar Power, 7.04 GW from Wind Power, 0.53 from Small Hydro Power and 0.93 from Bio-power.

In order to achieve the targets, various initiatives have been taken by the Government which interalia include:
amendments in the Tariff Policy for strong enforcement of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and for providing Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO);
setting up of exclusive solar parks;
development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project;
identification of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop projects;
provision of roof top solar and 10 percent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities;
amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of roof top solar for new construction or higher FAR;
infrastructure status for solar projects;
raising tax free solar bonds;
making roof top solar a part of housing loan by banks/NHB;
incorporating measures in Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS)
for encouraging distribution companies and making net-metering compulsory
raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also from the Green Climate Fund to achieve the target. and
creation of Surya Mitras for installation and maintenance of the Solar Projects.

“In coming years, Ministry is going to focus on: conducive policies for promotion of Grid Interactive Renewable Power so as to reach 175 GW by 2022,” he said.

“Low cost Financing with long tenure for Renewable Energy technologies and Projects, creation of transmission infrastructure for evacuation of Renewable Power, focus on promoting indigenous technologies, technological innovation and research & development in the renewable sector and creation of qualified and skilled man power”, Goyal elaborated. fii-news.com