In order to bring 'Renewables' at centre-stage in supplementing energy supply in sustainable manner, there is a need for global state-of-art technological input through technology forcasting and technology assessment techniques, adoption and adaptation of technologies, development of appropriate technologies,taking up activities concerning Patents and Intellectual Property Rights, using patents as a tool for identification of R & D Projects, demonstration/field evaluation of technologies, large scale exploitation and utilisation of renewable energy system to other countries, on-line creation and dynamic upgradation of renewable energy database and on-line monitoring of projects and programmes by using most modern and fast Information Technology tools, so as to enable India to become a global player in the area of renewable energy. Further, in order to have an on-line electronic flow of data and information between Ministry and State Nodal Agencies, State Governments, R & D and Technology Institutions, consultancy service providers, manufacturers and non government organisations associated with the renewable energy sector for creation of database and monitoring of projects and progrmmes, there is a need for the establishment of an effective 'Renewable Energy Network (RENET)', a wide area computer-communications Network/Intranet in the country connecting States, District, Blocks and major Projects.
For the utilization of information technology and establishment of technology information system in the area of renewable energy, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)has set up the ' Technology Information Forecasting, Assessment and Data Bank (TIFAD)' Division in May, 1998. The Activities has been revitalized duing the 9th Plan in order to meet new challenges of globalisation through IT, implement the concept of electronic governance and to improve their effectiveness. MNRE became the first among Central Government Ministries/Departments, which initiated large-scale utilization of Information Technology (IT). 100% computerisation has been achieved by the MNRE at its Headquarters, its Regional Offices and the Solar Energy Centre.
Establishment of RENET and Renewable Energy Database.
The Ministry is in the process of establishing RENET in the country. Projects on cost sharing basis for the establishment of RENET through the installation of VSAT/ISDN connectivity, Servers/Computers at the end of State Nodal Agencies in ten States and Union Territories, viz Arunachal Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have been sanctioned during the years from 1998-99 to 2001-02. The Ministry is implementing 'RENET and creation of Renewable Energy Database' through CMC, New Delhi. Software has been developed for RENET and is being tested. For the implementation of the software and MIS, MNRE has awarded the Facility Management for two years to CMC w.e.f 01.04.2002. Through this project 'Renewable Energy Electronic Processing System (REEPS)', has been developed for integrating an on-line receipt of project proposals from Agencies/Organizations through RENET and processing electronically by various wings of MNRE namely Project Divisions, IFD,DDO, PAO and CR Unit in an integrated manner using LAN of MNRE such that the projects are approved electronically and only cheques are sent physically.