Renewables contribute 11,274 MW in India

NEW DELHI, March 13 (UPI) -- India said renewable energy sources have contributed 11,274 megawatts to the addition to power generation.

Wind, hydropower and biomass have contributed about 11,274 MW to the capacity addition of power generation in the country, Minister for New and Renewable Energy Vila Muttemwar told Parliament Thursday.

He admitted there was a gap in demand and supply.

"India receives solar energy equivalent to over 5,000 trillion kWh per year. It has not been properly utilized because of lack of awareness among the people," Muttemwar said.

He said his department has taken several steps to promote the utilization of renewable energy in the current 11th five-year plan period.