APRIL 20199energy and for the maximum usage of clean fuel so as to cut down level of emission by 33 per cent by the year 2030.As a result of the measures and initiatives taken by the Government of India, the solar capacity has increased by eight times between FY14 TO FY18. India added a record of 11,788 MW of renewable energy capacity during 2017-18. Precisely, a total of 47 solar parks with a generation capacity of 26,694 MW have been already approved in the country up to the month of November in 2018. Out of this, 4,195 MW of this capacity has already been commissioned. India touched a record of 101.84 billion units in FY18 in power generation from renewable energy sources (excluding large hydro). The country has reached 81.15 billion units for the same between April to October 2018. Also, the inter-state distribution of wind power was started in August 2018.During the year 2018-19, India is expected to add up to 8.5 GW of renewable energy capacity. By 2030, renewable sources are highly expected to meet about 40 per cent of India's power needs. It is expected that by the year 2040, renewable energy will be used to generate about 49 per cent of the total electricity. This will be possible as more and more efficient batteries will be put to use to store electricity, further cutting the cost of solar energy by 66 per cent, as compared to the current cost. As a result, the usage of renewables as substitutes of coal will save India Rs 54,000 crore (US$ 8.43 billion) every year. Renewable energy has the potential to create employment opportunities at many levels, especially in the rural sector ­ reducing poverty and hence, leading to growth of the Indian economy. And not only are more jobs created as a result, even the gas industry is saved and the cost is being reduced by thousands of crores. India added a record of 11,788 MW of renewable energy capacity during 2017-18. Precisely, a total of 47 solar parks with a generation capacity of 26,694 MW have been already approved in the country up to the month of November in 2018
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