Renewable energy scenario in Indian context: Vision and achievements

Energy is primary requirement for improvement of quality of life and socio-economic condition of any nation. Any Government around the world is primarily responsible for development of energy sources to meet the energy demand of the society at an affordable cost. The limited fossil fuel reserves with increasing cost and associated environmental problems have shifted the interest of government and private stakeholders for renewable energy options to meet the electricity demand in urban and rural areas. Promotion and development of alternative renewable sources of energy such as solar based generation, wind energy, hydro power, bioenergy and geothermal energy etc. have attracted the attention of the government and private players to meet the growing energy plea and technology development for future. India is blessed with huge solar radiation, variety of crops and climatic conditions, large coastal areas and potential river systems which provide suitable conditions for renewable energy development. In this paper, Indian government initiatives, policies for renewable energy development and state wise potential of renewable energy generation and achievements are reviewed.