Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s energy sector has historically been dominated by conventional sources like coal, leading to significant environmental concerns and energy security issues. Recognizing this, the government launched the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) project. The GEC aims to facilitate the evacuation of renewable energy from resource-rich states to the main grid, thereby integrating large-scale renewable energy into the national grid. This initiative is crucial for achieving India’s ambitious renewable energy targets and reducing its carbon footprint, as committed under the Paris Agreement and the Panchamrit pledge at COP26.
Understanding the Green Energy Corridor
The Green Energy Corridor is a crucial infrastructure project designed to ensure efficient evacuation and transmission of renewable energy. It comprises the following key components:
- Intra-State Transmission System: Strengthening the transmission network within renewable energy-rich states.
- Inter-State Transmission System: Establishing high-capacity transmission lines to carry renewable energy across states.
- Grid Integration: Upgrading the grid to handle the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Phases of Implementation
The GEC project is being implemented in phases:
Phase-I (Completed in March 2022)
Focused on renewable energy-rich states like Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. It involved establishing approximately 3,200 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and establishing 7 GW of renewable energy capacity. The project was jointly funded by the central and state governments.
Phase-II (Under Implementation)
Approved in January 2022, Phase-II aims to add 20 GW of renewable energy capacity. It focuses on states like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and the North-Eastern states. This phase includes the development of approximately 10,750 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and is estimated to cost around ₹20,771 crore.
Alleviating Problems of Conventional Energy
The GEC directly addresses the drawbacks of relying heavily on conventional energy sources:
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: By facilitating the integration of renewable energy, the GEC reduces dependence on fossil fuels, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improved Air Quality: Decreased reliance on coal-fired power plants improves air quality, particularly in urban areas.
- Enhanced Energy Security: Diversifying the energy mix with renewable sources reduces vulnerability to fluctuations in fossil fuel prices and supply disruptions.
- Sustainable Development: Promotes sustainable development by harnessing locally available renewable resources.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite its benefits, the GEC faces challenges:
- Land Acquisition: Acquiring land for transmission lines can be a lengthy and complex process.
- Grid Stability: Maintaining grid stability with intermittent renewable energy sources requires advanced grid management technologies.
- Financial Constraints: Securing adequate funding for the project can be challenging.
To overcome these challenges, the government needs to streamline land acquisition processes, invest in smart grid technologies, and attract private sector participation through favorable policies. Further, promoting energy storage solutions will be crucial for addressing the intermittency of renewable energy.
Conclusion
The Green Energy Corridor is a vital initiative in India’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. By effectively evacuating renewable energy and integrating it into the national grid, the GEC not only alleviates the problems associated with conventional energy sources but also contributes to India’s climate change commitments and enhances its energy security. Continued investment, technological advancements, and policy support are essential to realize the full potential of this ambitious project.
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.