"Now we are working on roof top (solar energy panel). We are going to push the roof-top now. We have to give a frame- work. Once we are ready with basic frame work...We have to start with commercial buildings, very large institutions etc," New and Renewable Energy Ministry Secretary G B Pradhan told reporters here today.
The Centre's move came at a time when several environmentalists and a section in the government are demanding certain regulations on shopping malls and big commercial institutions using lots of electricity.
Pradhan said the government will spend at least Rs 1,200 crore for the research and development of renewable energy technology during the 12th plan period.
"In the 11th plan, we have a budget of Rs 600 crores. In the 12th plan, it is going to be double. We have not taken into account the money be spent by various other scientific departments and organisations," he said.
He also dismissed the suggestions that the government is not pushing the waste-to-energy project.
He, however, said the government is a little cautious about such projects as collection of waste and the location of plants in urban areas is a problem.
"We have to be a little careful about the waste-to-energy project," he said and added several city corporations in the country are "showing great interest" in the waste-to-energy projects.