India Misses Solar Energy Target: Achieves 70.10 GW By June 2023
As of June 2023, the country achieved a solar energy capacity of 70.10 GW, indicating a significant gap from the initial goal of 100 GW set for the year 2022, as revealed by Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, R K Singh.
Addressing the Parliament, Minister R K Singh said "The government had set a target of achieving 100 GW of solar power installed capacity in the country by the year 2022,"
The Minister further clarified that state-wise targets for renewable energy were not set, allowing flexibility in the approach towards achieving national goals. While the 100 GW target has not been met, India has made notable strides in the renewable energy sector, and the government remains determined to push ahead in its commitment to sustainable practices.
Regarding the challenge of recycling and reusing solar panel waste, Minister Singh emphasised that efforts were underway to explore environmentally responsible solutions. The potential for recycling photovoltaic (PV) modules from solar PV plants is being studied, with the goal of ensuring proper disposal and reducing environmental impacts.
During a subsequent response to the House, the Minister disclosed that in the fiscal year 2022-23, the solar energy-based generation reached 1,02,014.24 million units (MU). This impressive figure accounted for a notable portion of the country's total power generation, which amounted to 16,24,465.10 million units (MU), inclusive of power imports from Bhutan.
