CEE Jan-Mar 2012

,I. likely to register a quantum jump during FY 2011-12 by adding about 3,500 MW to the grid. Solar may be adding only 100 plus MW a year now, but going by the trend of competitive price cuts. in the next two to three years, it should be possible to step up solar power addition to 1,000 MW a year a11d then scale up by 20 per cent per year. So the target is achievable, but needs a whole gamut of actions at both central and state levels. Since this article is discussing the states only, I would prefer to limit the list of critical actions to the state level as follows: • Align state-level targets on a pro-rata basis with the national goals • Do a revised realistic RE resource assessment which is needed urgently; availability of such reliable data in the public domain to be ensured • Revise RE capacity addition plans at the state level and integrate them in the planning process • Bring out comprehensive renewable energy policies for states who have not yet revised their RE capacity addition plans • Strengthen state-level institutional mechanisms for RECs and activate the REC market • Urgently undertake comprehensive programmes for capacity building of State Nodal Agencies (State Energy Development Agencies) • Set up state-level Clean Energy Funds, in states who haven't done so • Provide adequate manpower, coordinated curriculum revision, retraining of faculty and development of new courses in technical, educational and training institutions • Focus specifically on RE capacity addition in transmission planning • Tap central sources like finance commission grants and National Clean Energy Fund for state RE programmes • Exped ite clearances for RE projects within prescribed time limits, though 'Single Window ' clearance may not always be possible • Enable SERCs who have to declare renewable purchase obligations (RPOs) to do so in line with the NAPCC target. While speaking of state and central electricity regulators, it should be acknowledged that they have taken many proactive actions to achieve the national goals. Some state regulators who have been lagging behind should now be goaded to join in. After all , it should not be forgotten that it was the California State Regulatory Commission and the California state government who pioneered the clean energy movement in the United States. They did not wait for the federal government to take the initiative. In fact, many states in the US initiated clean energy programmes when the federal government was succumbing to pressure from fossil fuel lobbies and dithering strong action. The states in the US have persuaded the federal government to act. As a result, the clean energy movement in the US is now gaining momentum. Europe has always been a pioneer and the EU is now racing towards 100 per cent RE by 2050! Besides the state level energy sector actions listed in this article, there has to be a holistic approach to planning in various allied departments. For example, the agricultural sector cou,ld look at schemes for irrigated pumps using alternative energy, now that costs are falling. The industries department could look at making captive power generation compulsory for high-end industrial consumers, while the Information Technology department could consider making it mandatory for software companies to use their large roof surfaces for solar power deployment, and the city corporations could impose similar norms for commercial buildings while giving building permission, etc. These are only some examples where action can start today in various allied sectors. Then there are futuristic sectors like sustainable transport where the planning process can incorporate a transition to hybrid and electric mobility. It is not just the transport people, but the electricity utilities also who need to be involved in creating the charging infrastructure. Here again the use of sustainable energy becomes relevant - from large generating systems to road-side solar parking stations. Only such a concerted and coherent planning can create a secure and sustainable energy future. By creating the environment for this transition, the states can benefit financially and socially. Financial benefits could come from prudent utilization of devolutions from the Central Finance Commission for RE development, tapping the National Clean Energy Fund, and taxes accruing from the growth of the sector. Social benefits could from creation of lakhs of green and sustainable jobs, decentralization of power generation, and consequent 49