Electricity to farmers through renewable energy sources

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) is providing subsidy up to 30% of the benchmark cost of the solar water pumps to the farmers under Off-grid and Decentralized Solar PV Applications Programme. Till date over 1.85 lakh solar water pumps have been reported installed in the country under the Programme.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy provides financial support to various R&D/academic institutions for research in the field of solar, wind, biogas, biofuel, storage, etc. for technology development and demonstration leading to commercialization. A comprehensive policy and guidelines for research, development and demonstration (RD&D) for new and renewable energy sector are in place.

Under these guidelines Central Financial assistance up to 50% of the project cost can be provided for the projects that involve partnership with industry / civil society. However, for proposals from academic institutions, Government/non-profit research organizations and NGOs, financial assistance up to total project cost can be provided. MNRE sanctioned 112 R&D Projects to various R&D/Academic institutions, industries, etc. with total financial support of Rs. 523.43 crore in renewable energy sector in the country during the 12th Plan Period.

This information was provided by Shri R.K. Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) Power and New & Renewable Energy in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.