Budget proposes schemes to promote use of clean energy

According to reports, to promote use of clean energy, the government plans to launch multiple schemes including on solar pumps and solar energy parks near irrigation canals in the current financial year.

Besides, the government would provide assistance for developing around 3,770 MW of grid connected renewable energy capacity.

These proposals, spelt out in the union budget 2014-15, would be taken up by the New and Renewable Energy Ministry which has a plan outlay of Rs 5,519 crore for this fiscal.

This amount includes Internal and Extra Budgetary Resources (IEBR) of Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 1,578 crore from National Clean Energy Fund.

“It is also proposed to launch new schemes on solar pumps, solar energy parks and schemes on solar parks near irrigation canals. It also includes provision of central financial assistance for Scheduled Caste beneficiaries,” said the budget document.

The Ministry would provide assistance for developing wind, small hydro and solar projects among others.

Renewable energy initiatives for urban, industrial and commercial applications such as deployment of solar thermal systems, promotion of energy-efficient buildings and master plans for solar cities would be carried out by the Ministry.

Further, renewable energy would be utilized for “construction of 1.10 lakh family-type biogas plants and start of a new programme on cook stoves,” the document said.