Solar power to account for 46% of India’s capacity by 2047

Meanwhile, authorities also reiterated rules on solar e-waste management.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said that solar energy is seen to account for around 46% of India’s projected total installed capacity at 1,860 gigawatts by 2047.

In a statement, the ministry said this projection is based on the Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario as per the “India Energy Securities Scenarios 2047” which is a tool developed by NITI Aayog.

“Solar energy projects are considered as environmentally sustainable. To manage e-waste generated after the use of solar photovoltaic modules or panels or cells, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, effective from 1st April, 2023,” the renewable energy ministry said.

Under the e-waste management rules, all manufacturers and producers of solar panels should store solar photovoltaic module, panel, or cell waste generated up to 2034-2035 according to Central Pollution Control Board guidelines, and ensure that the processing of all waste adheres to current applicable rules and guidelines, amongst others.

“Further, the recycler of solar photovoltaic modules or panels or cells shall be mandated for recovery of material as laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board in this regard,” the ministry said.