A National Conference of Power and Renewable Energy Ministers of States and UTs was held on 06th and 07thNovember 2023 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. R. K Singh, Union Minister of Power and NRE presided over the conference. Secretary (Power), Secretary (MNRE), Deputy CMs/ Power/ NRE Ministers of States along with Principal Secretaries of States and UTs attended the conference.
Detailed deliberations were held with focus on (i) India’s NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) and new RPO (Renewable Purchase Obligations), PM KUSUM Scheme, Rooftop Solar Scheme, National Green Hydrogen Mission, Solar Parks, Green Energy Corridors, Issues related to PLI Scheme, Wind Energy and Green Open Access Rules; (ii) Review of RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme), Viability Matrices of DISCOMs, Increasing Power Demand and Capacity Addition, Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and (iii) National Transmission Plan. Implementation of Rights of Electricity Consumer Rules, Carbon Market, Energy Transition, Role of States in e-mobility and EESL Dues in Street lights National Programme were also discussed. The states provided their inputs and suggestions on each of these pertinent issues.
Major thrust areas deliberated during the Conference include: i) Expedition of commissioning of conventional and renewable energy projects by all States; ii) Planning for future capacity addition; and iii) Shifting the agricultural load to solar hours, and saving thermal power for the non-solar hours. All states have been advised to maintain adequate stock of coal to meet the rising energy demand during April ’24 to June’24.
