New Delhi, Feb 2: The Rs 35,000-crore capex allocation for energy transition announced in the Union Budget will have multiplier effect in areas like green fuel, green energy, green farming, and green mobility, among others, power sector players said.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Union Budget for 2023-24 in Parliament on Wednesday.
“Allotment of Rs 35,000 crore for priority capital investment for energy transition and net zero will help with multiplier effect spanning sectors such as green fuel, green energy, green farming, green mobility, green buildings and green equipment,” Vineet Mittal, Chairman, Avaada Group, said in his reaction to the Budget.
Girish R Tanti, Vice-Chairman, Suzlon Energy Ltd, said the allocation is “a step in the right direction…for a sustainable future.” The government’s commitment to increase the use of renewable energy in the country is commendable, and will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change. The National Green Hydrogen Mission will complement our efforts towards net-zero, he said.
Dinesh Patidar, Chairman and Managing Director, Shakti Pumps (India) Ltd, said: “The budget with a specific priority on green growth sets the tone for a sustainable India. Rs 35,000-crore outlay for energy transition programmes contributing to the net zero commitments of India shall further add to the overall sustainable development in the country.” Further, increasing investment in infrastructure by 33 per cent for the third consecutive year to Rs 10 lakh crore is a positive move which will have a multiplier effect across the sectors.
Rahul Munjal, Chairman & Managing Director, Hero Future Energies, said viability gap funding for battery storage projects, outlay for grid expansion for renewable energy and the green credit programme to incentivize sustainable behaviour, all are very welcome and timely steps that will accelerate clean energy adoption.
The PM-PRANAM scheme will boost the usage of green ammonia for production of environment friendly fertilizers. The policy for scrapping old vehicles and customs duty exemption on Li-ion batteries will also help fast track EVs and clean up the mobility sector, he said.
Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director, Sterlite Power, said the reduction in duties for lithium-ion batteries is a step in the right direction. It has also ushered in a key measure for the financial health of states’ distribution utilities by tying 0.5 per cent of their deficit to power sector reforms. This is an added incentive for the states to reform the discoms.
Saurabh Shivhare, Director, Kapila Krishi Udyog, said, ” the exemption of up to Rs 7 lakh on income tax will benefit the farmer families more. Farmers will get qualitative benefits from the far-reaching results in this. Initiatives have been announced in the budget to give priority to the works of farming, milk and fish farming, it is a welcome step and the farmer will get new energy and economic strength.”
Anil Chaudhry, Zone President, India and CEO & MD, Schneider Electric India, said key measures have been taken to support green growth, including viability gap funding for battery storage, renewable energy evacuation, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and green credit policy.
“With an investment of Rs 10,000 crore, the budget also underlines the need for embracing a circular economy through the GOBARdhan Scheme,” he said.
Manish R Sharma, Partner and Leader, Capital Projects & Infrastructure, PwC India, said: “Commitment on electric mobility is seen on the battery segment, alternate fuels, like biogas finding a place clearly indicates that the future is open to innovation, and the best technology will win. This is in addition to the push coming on the generation side of biogas under the GOBARdhan Scheme.”
Neel Sahni, co-founder, Apna Chemist, said: “We welcome the remarkable budget. It is imperative that we work towards promoting research and development in various facets of medicine and vaccine inoculation. Every rupee invested towards the advancement of healthcare services benefits not just the domestic economy, but has a profound cascading effect of reducing the disease burden in the international community through new offerings in preventive treatment.”
