In News:

• As per Global status Report – 2018 of REN21 (Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century), India ranked fifth in renewable power capacity (including hydropower) as of end 2017. A total of 81.15 billion units (BU) of power have been generated in the year 2018-19 (up to October 2018) from all renewable energy sources. Renewable energy projects are mostly being implemented in the private sector.
• As on November 30, 2018, total capacity of around 73.95 GW has been installed in the country of which 37.84 GW has been added during the last four and half year.
• Measures taken by the government to support the renewable energy sector, inter-alia, include: fiscal and promotional incentives such as capital subsidy, accelerated depreciation, waiver of interstate transmission systems (ISTS) charges and losses, viability gap funding (VGF) and permitting FDI up to 100 per cent under the automatic route.
• Also, to ensure cheaper generation of renewable energy, projects are awarded through transparent bidding process, i.e. through e-reverse auction.

REN21:

• REN21 is the global renewable energy policy multi-stakeholder network that connects a wide range of key actors. REN21’s goal is to facilitate knowledge exchange, policy development and joint action towards a rapid global transition to renewable energy.
• REN21 brings together governments, nongovernmental organisations, research and academic institutions, international organisations and industry to learn from one another and build on successes that advance renewable energy.
• To assist policy decision making, REN21 provides high quality information, catalyses discussion and debate and supports the development of thematic networks. REN21 is an international non-profit association and is based at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Paris, France.