Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ministry urged to promote use of renewable energy

NEW DELHI: Noting that the government's 'Make in India' initiative will lead to growth in energy consumption, a network of Parliamentarians today urged the MSME ministry to promote the use of renewable energy and sought the creation of 'Green Cell' for the purpose.

In a letter to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Minister Kalraj Mishra, Climate Parliament, a network of legislators working to promote renewable energy, said the Cell should coordinate directly with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for any potential integration of plans and policies.

The ministry should constitute a green or renewable energy cell which should coordinate directly with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for any potential integration of plans and policies, the letter by MP Gundu Sudharani said.

There are lot of opportunities to collaborate with MNRE and MSME ministry can play a major role in "upscaling" and large-scale implementation of those schemes like off-grid solar photovoltaic programme, off-grid solar water heating programme, and National Biogas and Manure Management Programme, the letter said.

"The ministry should also consider allocating a specified portion of its annual financial resources, starting with at least 5 per cent of the total ministry budget for promotion of renewable energy in its different schemes and programs as well as in ministry's administrative operations," it said.

The letter outlined specific areas where various government programs can be integrated with renewable energy programmes including Technology and Quality Upgradation Support to MSMEs (TEQUP), Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) for technology upgradation of MSMEs and others.

"The new national initiative of 'Make in India' taken by the government would lead to tremendous growth in the MSME sector and the energy consumption will only escalate in future. MSMEs can significantly contribute in upscaling renewable energy manufacturing in the country," it said