ANIRenewable energy capacity addition was at a five-year low in 2020, with 2,620MW and 1,309MW of solar and wind capacity installed respectively in the calendar year, according to a report by renewable energy consultancy firm Bridge to India.
The drop was particularly steep in the solar segment. In 2019, 5,013 MW of solar capacity and 1,879 MW of wind had been added.
This was because of operational and financial challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Bridge To India maintained. It attributed the slowdown to delays in government approvals and financial closures as well as restrictive working practices.
India also added 979MW of rooftop solar capacity in 2020, 36% below previous year's installation.
"The poor progress is extremely disappointing as are recent developments like cancellation of tenders and worsening financial conditions of distribution companies. The government needs to urgently identify and fix specific needs of the industry for speedier implementation," said Vinay Rustagi, Managing Director, BTI.
The report also noted that the ministry of new and renewable energy has granted project extensions on account of the pandemic. "But actual experience suggests delays much longer than this period," it said.
The drop was particularly steep in the solar segment. In 2019, 5,013 MW of solar capacity and 1,879 MW of wind had been added.
This was because of operational and financial challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Bridge To India maintained. It attributed the slowdown to delays in government approvals and financial closures as well as restrictive working practices.
India also added 979MW of rooftop solar capacity in 2020, 36% below previous year's installation.
"The poor progress is extremely disappointing as are recent developments like cancellation of tenders and worsening financial conditions of distribution companies. The government needs to urgently identify and fix specific needs of the industry for speedier implementation," said Vinay Rustagi, Managing Director, BTI.
The report also noted that the ministry of new and renewable energy has granted project extensions on account of the pandemic. "But actual experience suggests delays much longer than this period," it said.
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