|
Shri Vilas Muttemwar, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Non-Conventional Energy Sources informed the Lok Sabha today that Government has proposed to expand the programmes for development and utilization of solar energy during 2005-06. These programmes cover both solar thermal and photo-voltaic applications. In a written reply to a question Shri Muttemwar informed the House that Government has also established a Commission for Additional Sources of Energy to plan and oversee the implementation of programmes relating to solar energy and other renewable energy sources.
During 2004-05, 0.18 MW Grid Interactive Electricity from Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV) power was installed against 0.05 capacity installed in 2003-04
The Minister further said that his Ministry has been supporting research and development on solar energy for more than two decades. As a result of the research work supported by the Ministry, and indigenous technology and manufacturing base has been established in the country. A number of solar energy systems for lighting, water pumping, telecommunications, remote power generation, water heating, solar cooking, drying and other applications have been developed and commercialized in the country. Currently the focus of research is on further reduction in the cost of solar energy products and improvements in their quality, reliability and life. A number of research institutions, universities and industrial establishments are associated with this task. These efforts are expected to further expand the use of solar energy in the country.
Apart from other promotional support, Government provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) ranging from Rs.2,400 to Rs. 9,100 for SPV lighting systems depending upon the systems. In case of special category States i.e. North Eastern States, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and unelectrified Island regions, the CFA ranges from 4,300 to Rs.16,300.
For SPV water pumping systems, CFA is Rs. 100/Wp of PV array used subject to a maximum of Rs.1,80,000 per system for community purposes and 90% of approved ex-works costs of the system for Special Category States. In case of SPV Power Plants & Other Systems, CFA is Rs.1,19,000/kWp of PV array Capacity or 50% of ex-works cost, whichever is less and Rs.2,14,200/kWp of PV array capacity or 90% of ex-works cost, which ever is less for Special Category States.
For Solar Water Heating systems through Banks/FIs (including housing financing org.) interest subsidy is provided to reduce the interest to 5% to end-user. For solar water Heating / air heating systems/desalination system, steam cooking systems, etc. through IREDA, the interest subsidy of 5% for non-profit organizations and of 7% for profit-making organizations is provided by the Government. While for dish/community type solar cookers : 50% of cost limited to Rs.2500/- for dish type cookers; Rs.25,000/- for Scheffler/community type cooker and for steam cooking systems ; 50% of actual system cost is provided as subsidy.
RCJ/ kc solar programmes (13.5.05)
|
