Delhi govt aims to generate 1,000 MW solar power in five years

The Delhi government on Monday approved the Delhi Solar Energy Policy, aimed at generating 1,000 MW solar power in the next five years.

“The policy recommends installation of 1GW (1,000 mega watts) solar power capacity in Delhi by the year 2020. It is also proposed to double it to 2GW during the next five years (by 2025). The policy outlines a combination of regulations, mandates, incentives and tax breaks for the growth of rooftop solar power in the Capital,” Delhi power minister Satyendar Jain said.

Officials said the policy has been prepared in consultation with the Delhi Dialogue Commission after extensive consultations with local and international experts.

“Many leaders of the Indian solar industry, discoms, consultancy organisations, banks, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, NGOs, research institutions, international experts, Union government departments, officials and residents of Delhi participated and contributed in consultations,” a senior power department official said.

In an official statement, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “Making Delhi a solar city is one of our 70 agenda points. This policy, which is very progressive, will help in providing clean and green energy. Rooftop solar systems offer sustainable energy, environmental benefits, low gestation period and minimum transmission and distribution losses.”

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Management Centre (EE&REM) under the Delhi power department will act as the state nodal agency and will be responsible for the effective implementation of this policy in consultation with the state government, eligible consumers, Union government, other states and stakeholders.

“In collaboration with the nodal agency, the Indraprastha Power Generation Co. Ltd will aggregate capacity on government rooftops other than of government buildings and ground mounted capacities, float tender and manage the entire bidding process under both third-party owned and self-owned models,” an official said.

The policy supports all models of ownership and maintenance of solar plants, including self-owned (CAPEX) and third-party-owned models (RESCO).

The Delhi government will facilitate capital subsidy of 30% provided by Union ministry of new & renewable energy to domestic consumers, for which the exercise of empanelment of vendors is under process, the official said.