Que: How does Amplus Solar define ‘energy independence’ and why is it important for India?

Ans: Energy independence for a country traditionally means generating more energy domestically than is consumed. However, in today's era, when almost the world is facing a climate crisis, the definition of energy independence also includes the proportion of energy coming from clean sources. Apart from reducing the emissions the increasing share of Renewable Energy helps harness local resources to meet our electricity requirements in a way contributing towards Energy Independence.
India is growing at almost seven percent annually, and the operations of every sector are increasingly being electrified, which will further increase energy demand. To address this demand, India needs to build an energy ecosystem that is affordable, accessible, and most importantly, sustainable.

Que: Can you share insights on how Project Lakshmi and your other open-access solar plants are contributing to energy independence in Uttar Pradesh?

Ans: Including Project Lakshmi, Amplus operates three open-access projects, with an aggregate capacity of over 200 MWp in Uttar Pradesh. These plants supply green electrons to a mix of commercial and industrial consumers within the State. Not only do these projects increase the reliance on local resources but are also contributing to sustainable electricity generation within Uttar Pradesh, thereby reducing dependence on electricity from outside the State.

Que: Can you elaborate on the role of distributed clean energy solutions such as on-site and off-site solar farms in reducing reliance on fossil fuels?

Ans: Distributed clean energy solutions, such as on-site and off-site options, make clean energy accessible for end customers. Customers can choose the type of arrangement based on their energy demand, available space, green commitments, and other operational factors reducing their reliance on traditional sources of energy.

Further, the OPEX model enables C&I consumers to adopt/transition to green energy within minimal upfront costs making the process of energy transition hassle-free and inexpensive for the end consumer.

Que: Amplus Solar has diversified into hybrid wind and solar, battery storage, residential solar, and green hydrogen distribution. How do these innovations contribute to energy independence?

Ans: Amplus has always prioritized customer requirements, leading us to diversify into solutions that are both efficient and add significant value to our customers' businesses. As traditional solar installations have set the stage for the clean energy transition, these innovations help the end consumers to enhance their dependence on usage of renewable energy.

Distributed green hydrogen could play a significant role in the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate manufacturing processes, presently consuming high-grade heat from fossil fuels.

Que: How do government policies and initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Yojana support Amplus Solar's objectives and what other initiatives would you suggest to further promote renewable energy and energy independence in India?

Ans: Initiatives such as the Green Energy Open Access Rules and GNA have enhanced the market mechanisms, extending feasible options for the C&I consumers to source cost-competitive sustainable electricity options. Further, PM Surya Ghar Yojana has extended significant benefits for Individual house owners thereby encouraging the adoption of renewable energy at the grass-root levels. Such programs help create demand & adoption of green energy for an end consumer, thereby creating a larger market for players like Amplus.

To further build upon the momentum, there is a need to strengthen state regulatory planning and integrate storage infrastructure for better peak load management. Improved coordination between central and state governments and a comprehensive assessment of renewable energy costs and benefits will ensure efficient stakeholder allocation. Addressing the contrasting interests of renewable energy manufacturers and developers will also facilitate progress. These steps will help create a more robust and market-driven renewable energy sector thereby achieving energy independence targets.

Que: How can individuals and businesses contribute to energy independence and a greener future in India?

Ans: Individuals and businesses can contribute to energy independence by optimising energy usage, mainly by adopting energy-efficient equipment & load management. Further, the adoption of sustainable transport like electric vehicles for movement & transportation would also help in reducing the dependence on fossil fuels. Businesses in particular should explore avenues to enhance the usage of green electricity and fuels for their operations.