Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s energy demand is surging, driven by a rapidly growing economy and population. As of 2023, India is the world’s third-largest consumer of energy, and this demand is projected to double by 2047 (IEA, 2023). Traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, India faces increasing pressure to transition towards sustainable energy sources. Renewable energy, encompassing solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, presents a compelling alternative. The question of whether renewables are a *viable* option isn’t merely about technical feasibility, but also economic practicality and scalability within India’s developmental context.
Current Energy Scenario in India
India’s energy mix is currently dominated by coal (around 56%), followed by oil, natural gas, and a growing share of renewables (approximately 43% as of November 2023, including large hydro). While coal remains crucial for meeting base load demand, its environmental impact and import dependence necessitate diversification. The government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity addition.
Potential of Renewable Energy Sources in India
- Solar Energy: India has abundant solar radiation, particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. The National Solar Mission (2010) has spurred significant growth in solar capacity. Floating solar projects are also gaining traction.
- Wind Energy: Coastal regions and states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have substantial wind energy potential. Technological advancements are improving wind turbine efficiency.
- Hydro Power: While large hydro projects face environmental concerns, small hydro projects offer a sustainable alternative.
- Biomass Energy: Utilizing agricultural residue and waste for power generation can address both energy needs and waste management challenges.
- Green Hydrogen: India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to become a global hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen.
Challenges to Renewable Energy Adoption
- Intermittency: Solar and wind energy are intermittent sources, requiring energy storage solutions (batteries, pumped hydro) or grid stabilization measures.
- Land Acquisition: Large-scale renewable energy projects require significant land areas, leading to potential conflicts with local communities and land use patterns.
- Grid Infrastructure: The existing grid infrastructure needs substantial upgrades to accommodate the fluctuating supply from renewable sources.
- Financing: Securing adequate financing for renewable energy projects can be challenging, particularly for smaller developers.
- Supply Chain Dependence: India is currently reliant on imports for key components like solar cells and wind turbine parts, creating vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
Government Initiatives and Policies
| Scheme/Policy | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| National Solar Mission | 2010 | Targets for solar capacity addition, incentives for solar power generation. |
| Wind Power Programme | Ongoing | Promotes wind energy development through various policy measures. |
| PM-KUSUM | 2019 | Promotes decentralized solar power generation and provides financial assistance to farmers. |
| National Green Hydrogen Mission | 2023 | Aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. |
Addressing the Challenges
Overcoming these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Investing in energy storage technologies, strengthening grid infrastructure, streamlining land acquisition processes, and promoting domestic manufacturing of renewable energy components are crucial. Furthermore, innovative financing mechanisms and supportive policies are needed to attract private investment. Integrating renewables with smart grid technologies and demand-side management strategies can also enhance grid stability.
Conclusion
Renewable energy is undoubtedly a viable, and increasingly essential, option for India’s future. While challenges remain, the country’s abundant renewable resources, coupled with supportive government policies and technological advancements, present a significant opportunity to transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. A pragmatic approach, balancing the need for reliable energy supply with environmental concerns, will be key to unlocking the full potential of renewables and ensuring India’s energy security. The pace of development necessitates a rapid and decisive shift towards renewables, not as an alternative, but as the cornerstone of India’s energy future.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.