It is reported that the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has been facilitating the implementation of broad spectrum program including harnessing renewable power, renewable energy to rural Areas for lighting, cooking and motive power, use of renewable energy in urban, industrial and commercial applications and development of alternate fuels and applications.

The Ministry evolved renewable energy program in three distinctive stages during last 25 years of which the third stage emphasized more on application of matured technologies for power generation, based on Wind, Small Hydro, Biogas Co-generation and other biomass systems.

The Ministry also gives thrust for industrial applications of Solar and other forms of energy. There has also been a gradual shift from the subsidy driven mode to commercially driven activity. Since last 2 years new impetus has been given to research and development to cutting edge new and renewable technology such as next generation solar technologies, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, Bio Fuels etc. Renewable energy applications have brought about in the Indian energy scenario.

Apart from Electricity Generation which has now started significantly international Electricity mix, the application of these technologies has benefited millions of rural folk by meeting their cooking and other Energy Requirements in an environmentally benign way. The Social and economic benefits include reduction in drudgery among rural women engaged in the collection fuel wood from long distances and cooking in smoky kitchens.

The year saw first All India Conference of the District Advisory Committees on Renewable Energy addressed by the president of India, MoU with the TERI regarding GRIHA Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment and National level celebration of Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja diwas at Panchkula, Chandigarh. The finalization of the Draft of Bio Fuel Policy also took place.