India has an ambitious target of 175 gigawatts (GW) of solar, wind and other renewable energy by 2022. Compared to last year (Rs5,036 crore), this year the allocation to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy stands at Rs5,473 crore. Despite recent suggestions, large hydro remains outside the purview of renewable energy. In 2017-18 there is no allocation for energy storage, which could exacerbate challenges with integrating renewable energy into the grid. While total budgetary outlay to renewable energy marginally increased, there is little to celebrate.

Source: Mint February 01, 2017 19:18 UTC