India is drafting a comprehensive renewable energy policy which envisages a capacity addition of 10% or 10,000MW by 2012 from renewable energy sources such as small hydro power, wind and biomass. At present, renewable energy sources contribute about 2.8% of the country’s total generating capacity of 100,000MW, which includes over 1200MW from wind power and 1300MW from small hydro plants with capacities up to 25MW.
India’s Minister of State for Non-Conventional Energy Sources, K Kannapan, said that the policy is expected to be passed soon and uniform guidelines will be developed which will be adopted by all states to facilitate correct pricing for electricity from renewable sources.