MNRE Implements Schemes To Encourage PSU’s to Install Solar Power Plants

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has brought out the following schemes for encouraging Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to install solar power plants in the country.

1. Scheme for 1000 MW Grid Connected Solar projects by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Government organizations with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) was launched in January 2015. About 882 MW solar PV power projects have been installed under this Scheme upto 28.02.2022. This scheme is now closed for new sanctions.
2. Scheme for setting up of 12000 MW of Grid Connected Solar projects by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support [CPSU scheme Phase-II (Govt. Producer scheme)] has been launched in March 2019.

Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 enumerates the activities that can be undertaken by companies under their CSR policies. These areas are broad based and intended to cover wide range of activities.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has clarified the CSR activities enumerated in Schedule VII of the Act must be interpreted liberally. S. No. 16 of the annexure to the said General Circular mentions illustrative list of activities and states that “Renewable Energy Projects” may be covered under item no. (iv) of Schedule VII i.e., “ensuring environmental sustainability, ecological balance, protection of flora and fauna, animal welfare, agro forestry, conservation of natural resources and maintaining quality of soil, air and water including contribution to the “Clean Ganga Fund‟ set-up by the Central Government for rejuvenation of river Ganga”;

More than 100 GW capacity of renewable energy projects have been installed in the country as it affords multiple benefits including lower tariff.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a CPSE under MNRE, as part of its CSR initiative, has sanctioned an amount of ₹ 17.00 lakhs for setting up 8000 LPD Solar Water Heating System at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra during the financial year 2018-19.