Indian Government Pushing Companies to Sign Up for Green Energy

The Indian government is calling on industries to set their targets for using green energy. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on May 13, Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister Shri R. K. Singh called on around 550 business leaders to take advantage of India’s Green Energy Open Access Rules to cut greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

“I want you all to take advantage of the new rules and work with a vision to leave behind a greener planet for future generations,” said Singh in a press release.

Enacted last year, the Green Energy Open Access Rules ensure that companies have access to affordable and reliable renewable energy, including generation from waste-to-energy plants as well as green hydrogen and ammonia. 

Singh also requested that stakeholders inform officials when companies are flouting the rules so that regulators can reach out and discuss any problems and, if necessary, pursue regulatory actions.

Businesses are not compelled to purchase green power. The rules are voluntary. But they allow companies using 100 kilowatts of power to demand access to green energy within 15 days from a source that they can choose. On the other side of the equation, distribution companies are obligated to procure and supply green power.

A government-run portal brings uniformity and transparency to the process, including clear schedules for fees, transmission charges, and other costs. The rules are also designed to reduce those costs.

Indian leaders aim to cut the country’s greenhouse gases by 45 percent by 2030 – for a total of 1 billion fewer tonnes of emissions – while also producing 500 gigawatts of renewable power capacity. The country hopes to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. ce/jd