Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India, facing increasing energy demand and environmental concerns, has been progressively focusing on renewable energy sources. Historically reliant on fossil fuels, the nation is now witnessing a significant shift towards cleaner energy alternatives. The development of renewable resources in India can be traced through several phases, beginning with modest initiatives in the post-independence era and accelerating with policy support in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. As of November 2023, renewable energy sources contribute over 42% to India’s installed power capacity, demonstrating substantial progress towards achieving energy security and mitigating climate change.
Early Initiatives & Hydro Power Dominance (Pre-1980s)
The initial focus on renewable energy in India was largely centered around hydropower. Large-scale hydro projects like Bhakra-Nangal (1963) and Hirakud (1957) were commissioned to provide irrigation and electricity. However, the development of other renewable sources remained limited due to technological constraints and lack of policy support. Small-scale biomass-based power generation existed in rural areas, primarily utilizing agricultural waste.
Emergence of Wind & Initial Solar Programs (1980s-2000s)
The 1980s marked the beginning of wind energy development in India, particularly in coastal states like Tamil Nadu. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) was established in 1982 to promote the sector. The first wind farms were set up in Tamil Nadu, and the government introduced incentives like subsidies and tax benefits. Solar energy development began with the National Solar Mission in 2010, setting ambitious targets for solar power generation.
Rapid Expansion & Policy Push (2010-2020)
The decade of 2010-2020 witnessed a significant surge in renewable energy capacity addition. Key policies driving this growth included:
- National Solar Mission (2010): Aimed to achieve 20 GW of solar power by 2022 (later revised upwards).
- Wind Power Policy (2016): Focused on repowering older wind farms and promoting offshore wind energy.
- Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs): Mandated distribution companies to procure a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources.
This period saw substantial investments in solar parks, wind farms, and biomass power plants. The cost of solar and wind power declined significantly, making them competitive with conventional sources.
Current Status & Emerging Trends (2020-Present)
India has made substantial progress towards its renewable energy targets. As of November 2023, the installed renewable energy capacity is over 178 GW. Key highlights include:
- Solar Power: Dominates the renewable energy mix with over 67 GW installed capacity.
- Wind Power: Contributes around 42 GW.
- Biomass Power: Accounts for approximately 30 GW.
- Small Hydro Power: Around 5 GW.
Emerging trends include the development of hybrid renewable energy projects (solar-wind), green hydrogen production, and battery storage solutions to address the intermittency of renewable energy sources. Offshore wind energy is also gaining traction.
Challenges & Constraints
Despite the progress, several challenges remain:
- Land Acquisition: Securing land for large-scale renewable energy projects can be difficult.
- Grid Infrastructure: Upgrading the grid infrastructure to accommodate the fluctuating nature of renewable energy is crucial.
- Financing: Access to affordable financing remains a challenge for many renewable energy projects.
- Supply Chain Issues: Dependence on imports for key components like solar panels and wind turbines.
| Renewable Source | Installed Capacity (as of Nov 2023) | Growth Rate (last 5 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Solar | 67 GW | ~25% |
| Wind | 42 GW | ~8% |
| Biomass | 30 GW | ~5% |
| Small Hydro | 5 GW | ~2% |
Conclusion
The development of renewable resources in India has been a remarkable journey, driven by policy support, technological advancements, and declining costs. While significant progress has been made, addressing the remaining challenges related to land acquisition, grid infrastructure, and financing is crucial for achieving India’s ambitious renewable energy targets and transitioning to a sustainable energy future. Continued innovation and investment in emerging technologies like green hydrogen and battery storage will be vital for ensuring long-term energy security and environmental sustainability.
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.