India's renewable energy (RE) journey has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India’s RE capacity surged by 165%, from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024. As a global leader in clean energy initiatives, India has achieved significant milestones while addressing critical challenges. This article examines the current status, key challenges, and strategies for the RE sector, with insights relevant to UPSC CSE aspirants.
Current Status of Renewable Energy in India
Global Standing:
India ranks 4th globally in RE capacity.
It is 4th in wind power (46.65 GW) and 5th in solar photovoltaic power (85.47 GW).
RE Mix in India (May 2024):
Solar: 57%
Wind: 32%
Biomass Cogeneration: 7%
Small Hydro Power: 3%
Waste-to-Energy: 1%
RE Contribution:
Accounts for 43.12% of India’s total installed power capacity.
Non-fossil fuel energy capacity surpassed 200 GW for the first time.
Key Milestones:
Solar power: 85.47 GW.
Large hydro power: 46.93 GW.
Wind power: 46.66 GW.
Renewable Energy Targets in India
Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
Fulfill 50% of the country’s energy requirements through RE by 2030.
Significance of Renewable Energy
Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Essential for meeting global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Improves Energy Security: Reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports.
Creates Employment: Generates jobs across sectors, from manufacturing to installation and maintenance.
Promotes Energy Access: Addresses energy poverty in rural and remote areas.
Challenges in India's Renewable Energy Sector
Overall Challenges
High Costs:
Higher material and resource costs compared to fossil fuels.
Infrastructure installation (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines) is capital-intensive.
Land Acquisition Issues:
Difficulty in acquiring land with RE potential.
Delays due to regulatory clearances and land ceiling acts.
DISCOM Performance:
Financially stressed DISCOMs reduce solar power procurement capacity.
Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) often unmet.
Storage and Grid Balancing:
Intermittent energy generation from RE sources strains the grid.
Inadequate energy storage solutions.
Environmental Concerns:
Bird collisions with wind turbines.
Water-intensive hydrogen production processes.
Subsector-Specific Challenges
Solar Energy:
Efficiency drops during heat waves; a 1°C rise in temperature can reduce voltage by 0.5%.
Heavy reliance on China for photovoltaic module supply (80% share).
Wind Energy:
Requires specialized skills and advanced technology for installation and maintenance.
Sociopolitical issues like displacement, deforestation, and ecological disruption.
Biomass Energy:
Fragmented biomass trading platforms.
Inconsistent feedstock supply.
Waste-to-Energy:
High wet waste content limits power generation efficiency.
Lack of stringent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations for WTE plants.
Government Initiatives to Promote Renewable Energy
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
100% FDI allowed under the automatic route for RE generation.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana:
Rooftop solar plants for 1 crore households with an outlay of ₹75,021 crore till FY27.
Green Energy Corridor (GEC):
Facilitates RE power evacuation and grid reshaping.
Solar Parks Scheme:
Provides necessary infrastructure for solar developers under a plug-and-play model.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023):
Targets production of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
Way Forward
Enhance Energy Storage Capacity:
Invest in battery storage and pump-storage hydro systems to stabilize RE supply.
Strengthen Centre-State Coordination:
Streamline land acquisition processes and implement "must-run" status for RE projects.
Innovative Financing:
Expand the use of green bonds and standardize contracting processes.
Upgrade Grid Technology:
Integrate RE forecasting with grid management systems for better efficiency.
Optimize Land Use:
Utilize marginal and wasteland for solar and wind projects to minimize land-use conflicts.
Conclusion
India's renewable energy sector is pivotal to its transition toward sustainable development. While impressive strides have been made, addressing challenges like cost, land acquisition, and grid infrastructure is essential. With clear targets, supportive policies, and collaborative efforts, India is well-positioned to lead the global renewable energy revolution, ensuring a greener and more resilient future.
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