India Signs $6bn Renewable Energy Deal
The state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India has signed deals for large-scale renewable energy projects worth a total of $6 billion.
The state government has signed agreements with developers and is aiming to add 10.6 GW of solar power, 3.5 GW of biomass-based power capacity and 25 MW of small hydropower capacity by 2022.
500 MW of solar power capacity is also expected to be brought online by 2017.
Uttar Pradesh is behind other Indian states including Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh in terms of renewable energy infrastructure with higher tariffs.
The states industrial association ASSOCHAM has called for the introduction of net-metering to encourage installations of rooftop solar power systems.
ASSOCHAM also recommends that the state regulations on Renewable Purchase Obligation be restructured to encourage utilities to increase the procurement of energy from renewable projects.
The association also said that clear regulations on forecasting of power generation from renewable energy projects be introduced.