Indian Renewable Energy Status Report: Background Report for DIREC 2010

India has great potential to accelerate use of endowed renewable resources in powering its growing economy with a secure and affordable energy supply. The Government of India recognizes that development of local, renewable resources will be critical to ensure that India is able to meet both economic and environmental objectives and has supported the development of renewable energy through several policy actions. As background report for the Delhi International Renewable Energy Conference DIREC 2010, taking place in New Delhi from 27 to 29 October 2010, this paper describes the status of renewable energy in India as of today.

The Indian Renewable Energy Status Report provides a comprehensive review of the current status of renewable energy deployment and policies in India. It starts off with a description of the institutional framework guiding energy development in India - both at national and regional level, the main policy drivers impacting energy, and the major policy actions India has taken that impact renewable energy deployment. The paper presents estimates of potential for wind, solar, small hydro, and bioenergy and the deployment of each of these technologies to date in India. The potentials for India to meet large-scale generation needs and provide access to remote, non-electrified populations are also covered. Finally, the enabling environment required to facilitate rapid scale of renewable energies is discussed, including technology transfer and status of financing in India.

The reports clear aim is to address Indian policy makers from both national and regional level, as well as the business community, and other stakeholders worldwide with interest in renewable energy development in India.

This background report for DIREC 2010 is a joint publication of both Indian and international experts with extensive knowledge in renewable energies in India: The U.S. Department of Energys National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Integrated Research and Action for Development (IRADe), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Natural Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), BRIDGE TO INDIA Pvt. Ltd., and REN21.

The Co-Authors are pleased to announce the release of the India Renewable Energy Status Report in conjunction with the Government of India in advance of DIREC 2010.

The full report is available at the DIREC website, at the NREL website and at the REN21 website.