Citing the potential of offshore wind and large hydropower projects in the country, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy secretary, Anand Kumar hinted towards bringing both the technologies under the overall renewable target of 175GW. Speaking at the sidelines of RE India Expo 2017, the secretary, however, did not make it clear if the government would increase the 175GW target of 2022 or would alter the technology share within the same. Currently, out of 175 GW target, solar holds 100 GW; Wind-60 GW, biopower- 10 GW and 5GW for small hydro. The secretary showed optimism in not only achieving the 2022 target but surpassing them at the back of technological advancements and dropping prices.
Elaborating on the ‘Make in India’ for renewable, the secretary called for greater effort to boost the solar and wind manufacturing base in the country. “If we have to become a firm power in renewable, we must start focusing on manufacturing especially solar”, said the secretary, mentioning how the ministry plans to upscale the domestic wind manufacturing capacity from existing 75-80% to 95% in two to three years. Kumar also said that the ministry is working on revamping of renewable research and development. “The R&D should not be restricted to universities and think tanks. We would require support from all the stakeholders in the renewable energy sector, especially private companies to bring in a business feasibility for the same”, said Kumar.
Source:BusinessWorld
