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On August 27, 2020, the Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS) celebrated its 6th Foundation Day. To commemorate the occasion, the government launched a dedicated website and telephone directory for AREAS. The newly established platforms aim to simplify the interaction and knowledge sharing among the State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) involved in the Renewable Energy (RE) sector.
Founding and Purpose of AREAS
Established on August 27, 2014, under the Society Registration Act, 1860, AREAS seeks to aid SNAs in their involvement within the Renewable Energy sector. It offers a platform for them to share experiences, best practices, and knowledge regarding technologies and schemes or programmes related to renewable energy. The association is patronized by the Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy (NRE), while the Secretary of MNRE serves as the ex-officio President. All SNAs are considered members of this association.
Rise of Renewable Energy Initiatives in India
Guided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India has been undertaking numerous initiatives aiming to expand the use of renewable energy resources including solar energy, wind power, geothermal energy, hydropower, and biomass. During the United Nations Climate Action Summit in September 2019, India pledged to increase its renewable energy target from 175GW by 2022 to an ambitious 450GW by 2030. This comes as part of its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), wherein India also promised to increase the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity to 40% by 2030.
The Green Energy Corridor Project
The Green Energy Corridor Project is another notable initiative that aims to integrate electricity from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, with conventional power stations on the grid. The Indian Railways recently joined this effort by reaching out to solar power developers to help meet their net zero carbon emission target by 2030.
Sector-Specific Initiatives
Several sector-specific initiatives have also been launched to boost different aspects of renewable energy.
Solar Energy Initiatives
The most prominent among these are the International Solar Alliance, One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG), National Solar Mission, Pradham Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM), Atal Jyoti Yojana, Suryamitra Skill Development Programme, Solar Park Scheme and Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Scheme, and the establishment of the Rewa Solar Power Plant.
Wind Energy Initiatives
For wind energy, key programmes include the National Wind Resource Assessment programme, National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2018, and the creation of the National Institute of Wind Energy in Tamil Nadu.
Waste to Energy and Bio Energy Initiatives
Efforts are also underway to convert waste into energy, including a programme that focuses on deriving energy from Urban, Industrial, Agricultural Wastes/Residues and Municipal Solid Waste. For bioenergy, major initiatives consist of a Biomass power & cogeneration programme and the Biogas Power Generation (Off-grid) and Thermal energy application Programme (BPGTP).
