Parliamentarystanding committee has recommended that MNRE broaden India’s renewable energy strategy. (Representative Image)NEW DELHI: Parliamentary standing committee on energy has recomneded that ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) broaden India’s renewable energy strategy beyond its overwhelming focus on solar power, while warning that resistance from power distribution companies (Discoms) and slow implementation in North-East could hamper clean energy goals.In its action taken report tabled in Parliament Thursday, the department-related parliamentary panel said that while solar energy has played a key role in expanding clean energy access, India should adopt a more diversified renewable energy roadmap by giving greater emphasis to wind, bioenergy, small hydro, tidal, geothermal, offshore renewable energy and hybrid systems.Of the country’s nearly 549 GW of installed power generation capacity, solar accounts for about 162 GW, or 29.5%, while wind contributes 57.4 GW, or 10.5%, and nuclear 8.8 GW, or 1.6%.The committee noted that most of MNRE’s schemes and budget are centred on solar energy, particularly flagship programmes such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-Kusum. While acknowledging the contribution of these schemes to the country’s energy transition, it said a balanced approach was needed to ensure holistic and sustainable growth of the renewable energy sector.Of the Rs 32,915 crore allocated to the ministry for 2026-27, the panel noted that about 92.8% has been allocated for solar energy, with 72% earmarked for a single programme, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY).The panel also reiterated that persistent resistance from discoms remains one of the biggest bottlenecks to the success of PMSGMBY, under which Centre aims at installing rooftop solar systems in one crore households. It said utilities continue to be apprehensive about revenue losses as consumers shift to self-generation of electricity.The ministry informed the committee that it has introduced measures such as renewable energy service company (RESCO) and utility-led aggregation (ULA) models, virtual net metering, simplified approvals and automatic load enhancement up to 10 kW to speed up rooftop solar adoption.The panel, however, said the scheme would achieve its intended outcomes only if Discoms and state nodal agencies are fully on board. It has also sought the findings of the Quality Council of India’s ongoing evaluation of the scheme.The report also flagged slow physical progress of renewable energy schemes in the North-East despite improved spending. It said focused interventions were needed to accelerate implementation of PM Surya Ghar, PM-Kusum and the biogas programme in the region, and recommended closer coordination between MNRE and the ministry of development of north eastern region to address region-specific challenges and improve project execution.