With increasing energy demand and the rapid depletion of conventional energy sources such as coal, oil, natural gas, etc., unconventional energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, tidal , geothermal and even the energy of waste materials are gaining importance. This energy is abundant, renewable, pollution-free and ecological.
It can be more conveniently supplied to urban, rural and even remote areas. It is therefore able to solve the twin problems of energy supply in a decentralized way and help maintain a cleaner environment. It is the energy of the future. No wonder, unconventional energy is quick to catch the imagination of people in India.
The importance of renewable energy was recognized in the country in the early 1970s. The renewable energy program began with the establishment of the Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (DNES) in 1982. In 1987 India's Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) was created.
In 1992, DNES became the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES), which has taken several steps to create a suitable environment to take advantage of unconventional energy sources. India today has one of the largest programs for renewable energy.
The activities cover all major renewable energy sources, such as biogas, biomass, solar energy, wind, small hydropower and other emerging technologies. Several renewable energy systems and devices are commercially available. Renewable energy programs cover the full range of technologies, including improved wood stoves, biogas plant, biomass gasifier, solar thermal and photovoltaic solar systems, windmills, power generation, small hydroelectric power plants, waste energy recovery urban / municipal and industrial, energy, hydrogen energy, electric vehicles and biofuels, etc.