RENEWCONNECT - All about renewables & power sector

India's journey toward renewable energy (RE) has been marked by strategic developments, policy initiatives, and an increasing focus on sustainability. The program's evolution can be divided into several key phases: 1. Early Inception (1980s - 1990s) : Initiation : India recognized the need for alternative energy sources in the 1980s due to rising energy demand and limited fossil fuel reserves. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) was established in 1982 (then known as the Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources). Pilot Programs : Initial focus areas included small-scale solar, wind, and biomass projects, mainly for rural electrification and off-grid applications. These pilot programs helped assess the feasibility and potential of various RE technologies. 2. Foundation and Policy Development (2000s) : National Electricity Act, 2003 : This act provided a framework for promoting renewable energy and mandated state electricity regulatory commissions to ensure a sha

The Indian government has kept a target of 175 GW installed capacity using different renewable energy technologies in the country. Currently, the total installed capacity of the country is 367.3 GW of which thermal is 230.72 GW , Nuclear is 6.78 GW , Hydro is 45.4 GW and RE is 84.4 GW as on 31.12.2019. For the month of December 2019 the electricity generated in different power segments is 86.1 BU in thermal, 3.6 BU in Nuclear, 8.9 BU in Hydro and 9.3 BU in RE [1] . Currently, the total renewable installed capacity is 57.472 GW ( 12.5 GW of solar i.e., 21.8% and 32.3 GW of wind i.e., 56.2% ).  Depending upon the current installation frequency, we can forecast whether we can reach the target by 2022 or 2030 . MNRE is exploring with new innovative approach for increasing the capacity of renewable energy in the country and promoting them for the same. [2] Benefits with 175 GW RE target   Reduces the carbon footprints in the country and promotes renewable energy technologies;