175-GW green energy target a big challenge: Suresh Prabhu

Deploying 175 GW of power generation capacity from renewable sources by 2022 is a big challenge, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said today, adding that solar energy is the "ultimate solution" for India.
"Solar is the ultimate solution for India because solar and wind are real sources of energy. Having 175 GW of power generation capacity from renewable energy is a big challenge," Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said while addressing the Global Energy Technology Summit 2015, organised here by NTPC.
The government has ambitious plans for deployment of 175 GW renewable power capacities by 2022, including 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind, which may require investment of around USD 150 billion in the next seven years.

Yesterday, Power Minister Piyush Goyal had exuded confidence that with the Centre and states working together, the target could be attained in four-and-half years.
Goyal had said, "I am confident that we can achieve the renewable energy targets, not necessarily in six-and-half years from now but possibly even in four-and-half years from now, if we all work together as a team."
Stressing on the need for increasing the efficiency of solar photo-voltaic (PV) cells, Prabhu was of the view that research and development is very important and there is need to increase solar PV efficiency to 30 to 40 per cent level.

He also suggested that NTPC should redefine itself as total energy solution provider rather remaining a power generator or distributor. He said it can also set up small grid solar power projects to power remote areas.
"Technological advancement, economic growth, combating climate change and fast-tracking technologies for renewables should be the top-most priority," said Prabhu.
Speaking on the occasion, NTPC CMD Anil Kumar Jha emphasised that environment sustainability is a challenge before humanity and renewables shall become main source of energy for the world by 2030.