Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s power sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by increasing energy demand and a commitment to sustainable development. As of 2023, India is the world’s third-largest producer and consumer of electricity. Recognizing the need for a diversified and secure energy mix, the government has launched several initiatives to augment power generation. These initiatives span across conventional sources like thermal power, and more prominently, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro, alongside supportive policies and schemes aimed at attracting investment and improving efficiency. The aim is to achieve energy security and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Recent Initiatives for Augmenting Power Generation in India
1. Renewable Energy Initiatives
The focus has been heavily on renewable energy sources. Key initiatives include:
- National Solar Mission (NSM): Launched in 2010, with an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of solar power by 2022 (revised to 500 GW by 2030). This includes schemes like PM-KUSUM for promoting decentralized solar power generation.
- Wind Energy Expansion: Focus on repowering older wind farms and promoting offshore wind energy projects. The National Wind Turbine Test Centre (NWTT) in Kayathar, Tamil Nadu, aids in testing and certification.
- Green Energy Corridors: Projects to evacuate renewable energy from high-potential states to the grid, reducing transmission losses.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Solar PV Manufacturing: Aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules, reducing reliance on imports.
- National Hydrogen Mission: Launched in 2021, aiming to become a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen.
2. Conventional Energy Initiatives
While prioritizing renewables, conventional sources continue to play a vital role. Initiatives include:
- Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPPs): Large-scale thermal power projects aimed at providing affordable power. Though facing challenges, some projects are operational.
- Coal Block Auctions: Auctioning of coal blocks to private companies to increase coal production for thermal power plants.
- Renovation and Modernization of Existing Plants: Improving the efficiency of existing thermal power plants through technological upgrades.
- Nuclear Power Expansion: Approval for building new nuclear power plants, including Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
3. Policy and Scheme-Based Interventions
Several policies and schemes support power generation initiatives:
- Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (pending): Aims to promote competition, reduce regulatory hurdles, and facilitate renewable energy integration.
- Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya): Ensuring universal household electrification.
- Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY): Rural electrification scheme focusing on strengthening sub-transmission and distribution infrastructure.
- Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS): Aims to improve the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of DISCOMs.
- One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG): An ambitious initiative to interconnect renewable energy resources globally.
| Initiative | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| National Solar Mission | Renewable Energy | Target of 500 GW solar capacity by 2030 |
| PLI Scheme for Solar PV | Policy/Scheme | Boosting domestic solar manufacturing |
| RDSS | Policy/Scheme | Improving DISCOM financial health |
Conclusion
India has made significant strides in augmenting power generation through a combination of renewable and conventional energy initiatives, supported by progressive policies. While the focus on renewables is commendable, challenges remain in grid integration, land acquisition, and financing. The success of these initiatives hinges on continued policy support, technological innovation, and efficient implementation. Future efforts should prioritize energy storage solutions, smart grids, and regional cooperation to ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable power supply for all.
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.