Renewable Energy — Tech Evolutions

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (Proposed)	2022 (Proposed)	Aims to amend the Electricity Act, 2003, to facilitate greater competition, ensure financial viability of Discoms, and promote renewable energy. Key provisions include multiple distribution licensees in the same area, strengthening regulatory commissions, and mandating RPOs.	If enacted, it would significantly reform the power sector, potentially improving the financial health of Discoms and creating a more competitive market for renewable energy procurement. It could accelerate RPO compliance and facilitate open access for renewable energy generators, fostering greater private investment and consumer choice.
Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022	2022	Amended the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, to empower the central government to specify a carbon credit trading scheme and mandate the use of non-fossil sources of energy. It also introduced the concept of 'sustainable habitat' and expanded the scope of energy conservation.	This amendment is crucial for India's climate goals. By mandating the use of non-fossil sources and establishing a carbon credit market, it provides a legal framework and economic incentive for industries to transition to renewable energy and improve energy efficiency. It directly supports the decarbonization efforts across various sectors and aligns with India's international climate commitments.
Hydro Power Policy, 2019 (Classification Change)	2019	The Union Cabinet approved measures to promote the hydropower sector, including classifying large hydropower projects (above 25 MW) as renewable energy sources. This was a significant policy shift from their previous classification as conventional sources.	This reclassification made large hydro projects eligible for various incentives and benefits available to renewable energy projects, such as RPO benefits and financial support. It aimed to boost investment in the hydropower sector, which provides crucial grid stability and peaking power, thereby complementing intermittent solar and wind energy.