Lok Sabha Question No. 1495 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-19
Subject: Coal-based Thermal Power Plants
Ministry: PLANNING
Asked by: RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE

- (a) Yes, Madam.
- (b) In NITI Aayog's India Three Year Action Agenda (2017-18 to 2019-20) phasing out of older coal-based Thermal power plants, commercial coal mining and promoting renewables was suggested. The details regarding above suggestions are summarized below:

Chapter 13 (Energy), para 13.20(2): The old plants with high station heat rate, especially when located in or near heavily populated regions, should be phased out.

Chapter 13 (Energy), para 13.27: We must use market mechanism to open to coal mining sector for commercial mining.

Chapter 13 (Energy), para 13.58:  A renewable energy capacity of 100 GW should be achieved by 2019-20 so as to contribute to achievement of 175 GW target by 2022. The financial support for  renewable sector will be aimed at promoting generation and  infrastructure creation rather than mere capacity creation.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PLANNING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1495 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2018

## COAL BASED THERMAL POWER PLANTS

## 1495. SHRIMATI RAKSHATAI KHADSE

Will the Minister of PLANNING be pleased to state:

- (a) whether NITI Aayog is stressing on tough steps to reform the power sector and asking Government for phasing out 25 years or older coal-based thermal power plants and creating of open access power market, commercial coal mining and promoting renewables; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof;

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

Chapter 13 (Energy), para 13.59: The off-grid target of 40 GW of solar energy by 2022 may be apportioned between residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors with a target of achieving 20 GW capacity by 2019-20. The residential off-grid capacity should be developed through a robust regulatory and policy framework including a remunerative net metering policy. The two phases of Green corridor project should be executed so as to evacuate the renewable generation available in 2019-20

Chapter  13  (Energy),  para  13.60:  Solar  Energy  Corporation  of  India  Limited  (SECI)  should develop  storage  solutions  within  next  three  years  to  help  bring  down  prices  through  demand aggregation of both household and grid scale batteries. Chapter 13 (Energy), para 13.61: At the institutional level, all  8  Renewable  Energy Management  Centres  (REMCs)  should  be  operationalized  to  activate  grid  planning  between Central  Power  System  Operation  Corporation  Limited  (POSOCO)  and  /  State  Load  Dispatch Centre (SLDCs) to ensure smooth dispatch of renewable electricity. The central/state agencies should provide infrastructural, transmission and purchase support to developers to help achieve the  renewable  target  of  the  country.  Moreover,  a  friendly  eco-system  for  integration  of renewable  electricity  should  be  created  by  changing/improving  the  regulatory  practices  and better coordination, through state specific renewable action plans. Chapter 13 (Energy), para 13.62: By 2019-20, a robust market for renewable power should be created through effective implementation of Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) especially in  the  light  of  uniform  targets  having  been  announced.  The  renewable  rich  states  may  be encouraged to sell power to renewable poor states. Chapter 13 (Energy), para 13.63: A large programme should be launched to tap at least 50% of the  bio-gas  potential  in  the  country  by  supporting  technology  and  credit  support  through NABARD by 2020.

Chapter 13 (Energy), para 13.64: Small Hydro Power (SHP) target of 5000 MW by 2022 should be  advanced  to  2019-20  through  VGF  and  tariff  support,  which  will  also  aid  balancing  of variable solar energy in de-centralized locations.

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