Rs. 600 Crore Allocation for Research, Design And Development for The 11th Five-Year Plan

New Schemes to Encourage Use of Solar Energy on Large Scale

An amount of Rs. 600 crore has been tentatively allocated for Research, Design and Development in New and Renewable Energy Sector for the 11th Five Year Plan. During the last Five Year Plan period, Rs. 72.65 crore were spent for the same activities by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. The Ministry has financially sported about 600 RD&D Projects particularly in Slo9ar Energy Sector.

The Ministry has launched some new schemes in addition to implementation of ongoing schemes to encourage large-scale use of solar energy in the country during the 11th Five Year Plan Period. The new schemes include ‘Development of Solar Cities’ and ‘Demonstration Programme on MW size Grid Solar Power Generation’. In addition, Research and Development thrust areas for solar and other New and Renewable Energy Technologies for the 11th Five Year Plan period have also been identified and publicized through newspaper and website advertisements for further intensifying research and technology development in this area. Promotional measures taken by the Government and other associated agencies include publicity and awareness campaigns, amendment of building bye-laws for making the use of solar water heaters mandatory in certain categories of buildings, rebate in property tax/electricity tariff to the users of solar water heaters, etc.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy supports Research, Design and Development (RD&D) activities in New and Renewable Energy including solar energy in the country. Comprehensive guidelines for supporting and accelerating pace of Research, Design and Development leading to eventual manufacture and deployment of various Renewable Energy Systems including solar energy have been put in place.

Source: Press Information Bureau
Date: March 28, 2008