Parliamentary Panel Urges MNRE To Diversify Renewable Energy Strategy Beyond Solar

New Delhi, Aug 13 (KNN) A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy has urged the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to diversify India’s renewable energy strategy beyond its strong focus on solar power, while flagging resistance from power distribution companies (DISCOMs) and slow implementation of projects in the North-East as key challenges.

In its Action Taken Report tabled in Parliament on Thursday, the committee said solar energy has played a significant role in expanding clean energy access but called for a broader renewable energy roadmap covering wind, bioenergy, small hydro, tidal, geothermal, offshore renewable energy and hybrid systems.

India has nearly 549 GW of installed power generation capacity, of which solar accounts for around 162 GW, or 29.5 percent. Wind contributes 57.4 GW, or 10.5 percent, while nuclear power accounts for 8.8 GW, or 1.6 percent.

Panel Flags Heavy Solar Focus In MNRE Spending

The panel noted that a large share of MNRE schemes and budgetary allocation is concentrated on solar energy, particularly flagship programmes such as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM.

Of the Rs 32,915 crore allocated to MNRE for 2026-27, around 92.8 percent has been earmarked for solar-related initiatives, with 72 percent allocated to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY).

While acknowledging the role of these schemes in India's energy transition, the committee said a more balanced approach was necessary for the sustainable development of the renewable energy sector.

DISCOM Resistance Remains Key Rooftop Solar Challenge

The committee also reiterated concerns over resistance from DISCOMs to the rooftop solar programme, under which the government aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households.

It said DISCOMs remain concerned about potential revenue losses as consumers increasingly shift towards self-generation of electricity.

MNRE informed the panel that measures including Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) and Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) models, virtual net metering, simplified approvals and automatic load enhancement up to 10 kW have been introduced to accelerate rooftop solar adoption.

The committee, however, said the scheme can achieve its objectives only with the full participation of DISCOMs and state nodal agencies. It also sought the findings of the Quality Council of India's ongoing evaluation of the scheme.

North-East Renewable Projects Face Implementation Delays

The report also highlighted slow physical progress in implementing renewable energy schemes in the North-East despite improved utilisation of funds.

The committee called for targeted interventions to accelerate the implementation of PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM and biogas programmes in the region.

It recommended closer coordination between MNRE and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region to address region-specific challenges and improve project execution.

(KNN Bureau)