Although the potential is based on surplus agro-residues, in practice there are several barriers in collection and transportation of such agro-residues to the generation site and biomass power generation units prefer to use fuel-wood for techno-economic reasons. A potential of 45,000 MW_e from around 20mha of wastelands assumed to be yielding 10MT/ha/annum of woody biomass having 4000 k-cal/kg with system efficiency of 30% and 75% PLF has not been taken into account. In order to realize this potential a major inter-Ministerial initiative involving, among others, Environment & Forests, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj would be required. Further, a Biomass Atlas is under preparation which is expected to more accurately assess state-wise renewable energy potential from agro-residues.

Potential based on areas having wind power density (wpd) greater than 200 W/m² assuming land availability in potential areas @ 1 per cent and requirement of wind farms @ 12 ha/MW, not all of which may be technically feasible for grid-interactive wind power.  In line with international practice for setting up grid-interactive wind power systems on sites having wpd greater than 300 W / m², potential would be 5000 MW.  Further, preliminary surveys do not at this juncture suggest a sizeable grid-interactive off-shore wind power potential.

Technically feasible and economically viable hydro potential is generally accepted at 40% of the total estimated potential.  Accordingly, the technically feasible and economically viable small hydropower potential could be around 6000MW.

With new sugar mills and modernization of existing ones, technically feasible potential is assessed at 5000 MWe, not all of which may be economically viable. Furthermore, several sugar companies/cooperatives are unable to develop bankable projects on account of their financial and liquidity positions.

With expansion of urban population post census 2001, current technically feasible municipal waste-to-energy potential is assessed at 1700 MWe, not all of which may be economically viable.  However, subsidy disbursement under the municipal waste to energy programme had been kept in abeyance on the orders of the Supreme Court in the case of a PIL, in May 2005.  This stay has now been vacated for setting up 5 pilot projects.    

Not all of this renewable energy potential may be suitable for grid-interactive power for technical and / or economic reasons.  Further, estimate excludes potential for solar power which is dependent on future developments that might make solar technology cost-competitive for grid-interactive power generation applications.