Is the Centre Planning to Cancel Any Green Energy Projects?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Centre has not cancelled any renewable energy projects.
- 67,554 megawatts of renewable energy have been awarded since April 2023.
- States are also contributing to renewable energy procurement.
- There is a growing preference for solar-plus-storage solutions.
- India's current non-fossil fuel-based capacity stands at 259 GW.
New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) The government has not rescinded any renewable energy project awards nor does it have a list of projects targeted for cancellation in the future, as stated by New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi during a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
In response to a question, the minister revealed that Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIA), such as the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), NTPC, NHPC, and SJVN, have issued letters of award (LoAs) totaling 67,554 megawatts for renewable energy procurement tenders since April 2023.
“States are also actively issuing renewable energy procurement tenders, and the addition of renewable energy capacity is occurring in the commercial and industrial sectors via green energy open access or captive routes. Hence, the capacity expansion of renewable energy is advancing through various approaches, not just through REIA-led bids,” the minister explained.
With the falling costs of solar-plus-storage and dispatchable renewable energy, there is an increasing preference from distribution companies and end procurers for such solutions. This trend has led to a decline in the demand for basic solar power.
“Solar-plus-storage setups are increasingly favored over wind-solar hybrid projects, primarily because they supply power during peak demand hours. Consequently, the government has advised the REIAs to transition from standard solar tenders to tenders that include solar with energy storage, configurations for supplying renewable energy during peak hours, and firm dispatchable renewable energy,” the minister emphasized.
India currently boasts an installed non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity of 259 GW, with 31.2 GW added in the financial year up to October. To facilitate the execution of power purchase agreements (PPAs), the government is urging states to adhere to the Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) outlined in the Energy Conservation Act.
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) also clarified earlier this month that it has not advised financial institutions to cease lending to renewable energy projects or renewable energy equipment manufacturing facilities, contrary to some media reports.