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4.64 During the year the programme was implemented through the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and the state nodal agencies. The implementation of the programme was reviewed thoroughly in the context of the Tenth Five-Year Plan. The programme is implemented on a subsidy and soft loan arrangement. The Ministry continued to provide subsidy of Rs.110 per peak watt of the photovoltaic array used with the pumping system. The maximum amount of subsidy was Rs.2,50,000 per system. However, during 2002-03, a new provision for providing additional financial assistance of Rs.25 per Watt of PV array to the state agencies that do not avail of any soft loan from IREDA, has been introduced. This subsidy is available only if solar pumps are directly procured by the agency and the states also provide some financial support from their side as well. The other provisions of the scheme as applicable in 2001-02 were continued in 2002-03 also. 4.65 Provision of soft loan at the rate of 5% per annum for the users and 2.5% for the financial intermediaries was retained mainly for states that do not avail of the additional subsidy. To provide soft loans at the specified rates, the Ministry provided interest subsidy to IREDA. The maximum amount of the soft loan was limited to 90% of the remaining price of the system after subsidy. The soft loan was to be repaid in a maximum of 10 years with one-year moratorium. 4.66 A total of 5113 SPV water pumping systems have been installed so far, of which 613 SPV water pumping systems have been installed by December 31, 2002 during the year. Most of the pumping systems installed during the year are of 1800 Watt PV array capacity to operate a 2 hp DC motor pump set and are owned by individual farmers. Awareness & Training 4.67 A publicity and awareness campaign through electronic, print media and exhibitions is a regular feature of the programme. Through radio programmes in Hindi and other regional languages, awareness was created about the SPV water pumping systems. To encourage publicity by the manufacturers, a scheme for reimbursement of 50% of the cost of publicity on specific items, subject to a limit of Rs.1,00,000/- per supplier was continued. IREDA published brochures in Hindi, English and several regional languages. The SPV water pumping systems were displayed in exhibitions and Kisan Melas. 4.68 Training programmes on the operation & maintenance and water management aspects of PV water pumping systems were also continuing for actual users, local technicians and mechanics. State Nodal agencies have also started conducting training and awareness programme for existing / prospective users of pumping systems. Performance Evaluation 4.69 During 2002-03 an independent study on field performance evaluation of pumps installed in Punjab was completed through the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad. The ASCI team evaluated 300 pumps from a total of 500 pumps installed during 2000-01. As per report about 91% pumps were found to be fully in use for agricultural activities. About 93% of the users have been using their pumps for 610 hours a day. 91% users were satisfied with the performance of the pumping systems. In most of the cases the users were able to earn or save between Rs.5,000 and Rs.40,000 per year. Small Wind Energy and Hybrid Systems 4.70 Small wind energy systems such as water pumping windmills, small aerogenerators and hybrid systems are capable of harnessing vast wind energy potential in the country for meeting mechanical and electrical energy requirement in decentralised mode especially in rural and remote areas. The Ministry is implementing a programme on deployment of small wind energy systems such as water pumping windmills, small aerogenerators and wind-solar photovoltaic hybrid systems. The main objectives of the programme are (a) to carry out research & development to improve the designs and efficiency and to create test facilities for water pumping windmills, small aerogenerator and hybrid systems and (b) to field test, demonstrate, strengthen the manufacturing base of water pumping windmills, small aerogenerator and hybrid systems. |
