Energetica India Magazine January-February 2021

27 air pollution and promotion of renewable energy sector. The outcome and result-based financial package of INR 3 lakh crore for discoms is a good move. Setting up of The National Hydrogen Mission, allocation of INR 2,500 crore to SECI and IREDA, and introduction of a phased manufacturing plan for solar cells & panels will help boost the renewable energy sector, going forward. Considering the high levels of pollution that the country has been witnessing, FM’s proposal of INR 1.41 lakh crore for Urban Clean India Mission, INR 2,217 crore for 42 urban centres with million-plus population for clean air and launch of a voluntary vehicle scrapping policy is laudable. The scheme would promote fuel-efficient and environment-friendly vehicles while cutting on India’s huge import bills.” Sumant Sinha, CMD, ReNew Power “It is a growth oriented and forward looking Budget. The Finance Minister’s focus on healthcare, infrastructure, power and the financial sector will have a positive, broad based impact on the economy. By increasing capex spending significantly without hiking taxes, and instead focusing on expanding economic activity, the FM has set the groundwork for a sharp and sustained economic recovery over the next several years.” Nithyanandam Yuvaraj Dinesh Babu, Team Leader, SUPRABHA “Delighted that the Budget has addressed and empha- sized on Renewable Energy, Clean Air and Environment in an emphatic manner. Extension of PM-KUSUM scheme (solarization of agricultural pumps), allocation of funds for SECI and IREDA, formation of Comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Mission, promoting domestic solar manufacturing in a phased manner, Expansion of Ujjwa - la (clean cooking), enabling framework for consumers to chose DISCOMs (may lead to consumer choosing Greener DISCOM) are commendable initiatives and will adequately boost investors’ confidence in Indian Renew - able Energy journey.” Jaideep N. Malaviya, Secretary General, Solar Thermal Federation of India “An aggressive plan should be put in place to acceler - ate Solar cities programme by attracting Rooftop solar power and solar water heating taking advantage of INR 2,217 crore allocation to clean air pollution in cities and INR 1,000 crore for Solar energy. Noteworthy most of the polluted cities are also classified as Solar cities. The 7 mega textile parks will also increase demand for heat. Solar energy can supplement the requirements.” Anil Chaudhry, CEO, Schneider Electric India “With its extensive focus on infrastructure and healthcare, the Budget FY21-22 clearly focuses on reviving the economy. The key pillars such as health and wellbeing, capital and infrastructure, inclusive development, enhancing human capital, innovation and R&D and minimum government and maximum governance rightly identifies the core areas for sustained growth and provides considerable thrust towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The emphasis on further expanding the National Infrastructure Pipeline by creating dedicated financial institution, monetizing operating assets, and raising the share of capital expenditure in central and state budgets is commendable. The proposal to offer more choice to consumers by introducing competition in the power distribution space by kick-starting Rs 3 lakh crore reforms-based result-linked power distribution sector scheme for state power distribution companies is likely to address the long hanging Transmission & Distribution (T&D) issues and give relief to the power producers, thereby ensuring health for the entire value chain. It is also good to see the government’s focus towards ensuring smart metering, which will help cut the commercial losses in power distribution. Further, the proposal to double the MSME allocation with Rs 15,700 crore for medium and small enterprises in FY22 will give the neces- sary push to the sector. Considering that India is well poised to play an important role in the global supply chain, the PLI scheme in 13 sectors to create manu - facturing global champions for an Atmanirbhar Bharat is expected to play a crucial role. This will encourage growth in these sectors, apart from creating ample employment opportunities for the youth. Overall a growth oriented budget to support the Indian economy to bounce back in the post COVID world.” Mahesh Palashikar, President & CEO, GE- South Asia : “For the Power and Renewables sector, the announcement of the hydrogen energy mission as well as enabling electricity connections portability to consumers further demonstrate India’s commitment to renewable energy and technology interventions that can make power Sanjay Aggarwal Managing Director, Fortum India Sumant Sinha CMD, ReNew Power energetica INDIA- Jan-Feb_2021