India eyes huge renewable power capacity

India expects its renewable power generation capacity to reach 72,400 megawatt by 2022. That is almost 4 times more compared to 17 gw at present. The target for the renewable power generation at present is 5 gw by March 2012 where solar power only is 20 gw by the year 2020. There is another study that renewable capacity is expected to reach 48 gw by 2015.

At present, the country has a capacity of 150 gw where 17 gw or 11.3 per cent is from the renewable. To achieve this latest target the country must produce 55 gw in 12 years where the present rate is about 2.2 gw. This target from the country is very less compared to the China’s target of 500 gw by 2020 which is total power capacity from renewable, hydel and thermal of 455 gw in India is expected. If the target is accomplished the renewable sector will contribute with 15.9 per cent or 500 basis points said the ministry.