India's Renewable Energy Milestone: NTPC's New Investment Approval
Significant Investment in Renewable Energy
New Delhi, July 16: India has reached a significant milestone, achieving 50% of its installed electricity capacity from renewable sources. In light of this achievement, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a substantial increase in the delegation of authority to NTPC Ltd. This will enable the company to invest in NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. and its associated ventures, with a budget of up to Rs 20,000 crore.
The Cabinet's decision allows NTPC Limited to exceed the previous investment limit of Rs 7,500 crore, now permitting investments up to Rs 20,000 crore for renewable energy capacity expansion. This initiative aims to achieve a target of 60 GW by 2032.
An official statement indicated that this enhanced delegation will expedite the development of renewable energy projects across India.
"This initiative is crucial for bolstering the power infrastructure and ensuring consistent electricity access nationwide," stated a Cabinet note.
The renewable energy projects are expected to create both direct and indirect job opportunities during the construction and operational phases, benefiting local communities.
This investment will also support local suppliers and small enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to the socio-economic growth of the nation.
India's energy transition has seen it achieve a remarkable 50% of its electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, surpassing the target set in its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement by five years.
The country aims to reach 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
As a leading Central Public Sector Enterprise, NTPC plans to add 60 GW of Renewable Energy Capacity by 2032, aligning with the national goal of achieving 'Net Zero' emissions by 2070.
NGEL, a key subsidiary of the NTPC Group, is tasked with spearheading renewable energy capacity growth through both organic and inorganic methods.