Non-Conventional Energy: The Road Ahead

In the sphere of solar energy use, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies are gaining immediate reception for a host of industrial and commercial applications, as well as in Non Electrified and Rural Zones (NERZ). The country has the world’s largest assemblage of solar photovoltaics, consisting of about 500,000 PV systems totaling to 39 MW, and encompassing over 30 variegated operations.

There is an added emphasis on venturing into grid quality power generation programmes oriented on solar thermal and solar photovoltaic technologies. A 140 MW Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) Power Project is being accorded conclusive shape to be established at Mathania near Jodhpur in Rajasthan. This will be the first of its kind, and the largest such project in the world.

To give a fillip to power generation from renewable energy, State Governments and utilities provide remunerative power purchase agreements and arrangements for wheeling, banking and buy back of power. 12 States have so far announced policies for non-conventional energy based power generation. The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), the corporate financing arm of the Ministry, is the only Agency of its kind in the world dedicated to financing of renewable energy projects. Interest rates vary from 0% to 16%, with special rates being offered for projects.

There is an impending need to make much more forays to make Non Conventional energy attain popular acclaim. This is also very essential to preserve the conventional sources of energy and explore viable alternatives like solar, wind and biomass that can enhance sustainable growth. What is more, such alternatives are environment friendly and easily replenishable. Therefore, they need to be thoroughly exploited with a functionally expedient, energy matrix mix.

A revolutionary step would be the advent of renewable energy co-operatives for power vending, installation and servicing of renewable energy systems in pockets like NERZs. With a view to take a long-term perspective, and to actualise the entire scope of Non-Conventional energy sources, it is incumbent to draw up a capacious Renewable Energy Policy involving all players in the field, together with the active participation of consumers as well

In the Ninth Plan (1997-02), the accent is on according commercialisation and development of entrepreneurship in all Renewable and Non Conventional Energy Schemes and Plans. An extra power generating capacity from Renewable and Non Conventional Energy sources of about 1500 MW is envisaged. The immediate challenge is to reconcile the reduced budgetary allocations in the 9th Plan due to fiscal control. The Ministry of Non Conventional Energy has stated objective of propping up 24,000 MW from Renewable and Non Conventional Energy by the year 2012.

The need is however to have adequate policy framework to be in place with an aim to provide impetus through streamlining the structure of Renewable and Non Conventional Energy. The high potential is what should spur maximum efforts. The bottlenecks is that although there are good plans, we often fall short in measuring up to meet the desired levels of optimisation of our potential. If there is a strict regiment by which Renewable and Non Conventional Energy Sources are utilised, India is sure to have adequate measure of success. The Numero Uno position in Renewable and Non Conventional Energy is well within reach with a little bit of concerted effort.