Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India is undergoing a significant energy transition, driven by climate change concerns, energy security needs, and economic considerations. Renewable energy sources (RES) are central to this transition, with the country committed to increasing their share in the energy mix. As of November 2023, the installed renewable energy capacity stands at 178.52 GW, contributing over 42% to the total installed power capacity. The government has set ambitious targets for achieving a substantial portion of its energy needs from renewable sources, alongside initiatives like the National Programme for LEDs to enhance energy efficiency.
Current Status of Renewable Energy Sources in India
India’s renewable energy portfolio comprises various sources, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and waste-to-energy. Here’s a breakdown:
- Solar Energy: Dominates the renewable energy sector with an installed capacity of 67.76 GW (November 2023). Significant growth is driven by falling solar panel prices and supportive government policies like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) launched in 2010.
- Wind Energy: The second largest contributor, with an installed capacity of 43.38 GW. Growth has slowed down in recent years due to land acquisition issues and grid infrastructure limitations.
- Hydro Power: A mature renewable energy source with an installed capacity of 46.8 GW. Large hydro projects face environmental and social concerns.
- Biomass Power: Utilizes agricultural residues and other organic matter, with an installed capacity of 10.8 GW.
- Waste-to-Energy: An emerging sector with an installed capacity of 0.27 GW, focusing on converting municipal solid waste into energy.
Targets to be Achieved
The Indian government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment:
- 500 GW by 2030: The government aims to achieve 500 GW of installed non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
- Net-Zero Emissions by 2070: India has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, requiring a massive expansion of renewable energy.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: Launched in 2023, aims to make India a global hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Challenges: Despite the progress, several challenges remain, including:
- Intermittency: Solar and wind energy are intermittent sources, requiring energy storage solutions and grid modernization.
- Land Acquisition: Acquiring land for large-scale renewable energy projects can be challenging.
- Grid Infrastructure: The existing grid infrastructure needs to be upgraded to accommodate the increasing influx of renewable energy.
- Financing: Securing adequate financing for renewable energy projects remains a challenge.
National Programme for LEDs
Launched in 2015, the National Programme for LEDs (now subsumed under the Energy Efficiency Services Limited - EESL) aimed to promote the widespread adoption of LED bulbs. The key objectives were:
- Energy Conservation: LEDs consume significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs, leading to substantial energy savings.
- Reduced Electricity Bills: Lower energy consumption translates into lower electricity bills for consumers.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduced energy demand leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Affordability: The program aimed to make LEDs affordable for all sections of society through bulk procurement and distribution.
Impact: The program has been remarkably successful:
- Over 36.8 crore LED bulbs have been distributed as of November 2023.
- Estimated annual energy savings of 7.7 billion kWh.
- Estimated annual cost savings of INR 30,000 crore.
- Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 6.7 million tonnes annually.
The success of the LED program demonstrates the potential of energy efficiency measures to contribute to India’s climate goals and reduce its energy dependence. The program has also spurred the growth of the domestic LED manufacturing industry.
Conclusion
India’s renewable energy journey is progressing rapidly, driven by ambitious targets and supportive policies. While challenges remain, the country is well-positioned to become a global leader in renewable energy. The National Programme for LEDs exemplifies the effectiveness of energy efficiency initiatives in achieving sustainable development goals. Continued investment in renewable energy infrastructure, grid modernization, and innovative technologies will be crucial for realizing India’s clean 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.