Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India is currently facing a complex energy crisis characterized by increasing demand, reliance on fossil fuels, and vulnerability to global price fluctuations. The Russia-Ukraine war exacerbated this situation, leading to higher coal and gas prices, impacting power generation and affordability. As of 2023, India’s energy demand is projected to double by 2030. While conventional energy sources remain dominant, harnessing non-conventional energy resources (NRES), also known as renewable energy sources, is crucial for ensuring energy security, promoting sustainable development, and mitigating climate change. This answer will explore how India can circumvent its energy crisis by strategically leveraging its vast NRES potential, considering recent developments and challenges.
Understanding India’s Energy Crisis
India’s energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which accounts for over 56% of the country’s installed power capacity (as of March 2024). This dependence leads to several issues: environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, import vulnerability, and price volatility. The increasing demand, driven by economic growth and population increase, further strains the existing infrastructure and exacerbates the crisis.
Harnessing Non-Conventional Energy Resources
1. Solar Energy
India has immense solar energy potential, receiving solar radiation of approximately 5-7 kWh/m²/day. Recent developments include the National Solar Mission (launched in 2010) and the PM-SURYA scheme (launched in 2024) aiming to provide rooftop solar to households. Challenges include land acquisition, intermittency, and storage. Floating solar projects and advancements in battery storage technology are promising solutions.
2. Wind Energy
India has a significant wind energy potential, particularly in coastal areas and the Western Ghats. The installed wind power capacity has been growing, but faces challenges like land constraints, grid integration issues, and declining wind speeds in some regions. Offshore wind energy is an emerging area with substantial potential, though currently underdeveloped.
3. Hydro Power (Small Hydro)
While large hydropower projects face environmental concerns, small hydro projects (SHP) offer a sustainable alternative. SHPs utilize the kinetic energy of flowing water without large-scale dam construction. India has a considerable untapped potential for SHPs, particularly in the Himalayan region. Challenges include seasonal variations in water flow and environmental impact assessments.
4. Biomass Energy
Biomass energy utilizes organic matter like agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste. India has a large biomass resource base. The National Biomass Mission aims to promote the use of biomass for power generation, heat, and transportation fuels. Challenges include sustainable biomass sourcing, efficient conversion technologies, and air pollution from combustion.
5. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy utilizes heat from the Earth’s interior. India has limited geothermal potential, concentrated in specific regions like the Puga Valley in Ladakh. Exploration and development of geothermal resources are still in their early stages. Technological advancements are needed to make geothermal energy economically viable.
6. Tidal Energy
Tidal energy harnesses the energy of tides. India has a long coastline with significant tidal potential, particularly in the Gulf of Kutch and the Sundarbans. Tidal energy projects are capital-intensive and have environmental concerns related to marine ecosystems. Pilot projects are underway to assess the feasibility of tidal energy in India.
Policy and Technological Interventions
- Strengthening Grid Infrastructure: Investing in smart grids and transmission infrastructure to integrate intermittent renewable energy sources effectively.
- Promoting Energy Storage: Developing battery storage technologies, pumped hydro storage, and other energy storage solutions to address intermittency.
- Incentivizing Renewable Energy Adoption: Providing subsidies, tax benefits, and feed-in tariffs to encourage investment in renewable energy projects.
- Research and Development: Investing in R&D to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of renewable energy technologies.
- Streamlining Regulatory Processes: Simplifying the approval process for renewable energy projects to reduce delays and costs.
- Promoting Green Hydrogen: Developing a National Green Hydrogen Mission to promote the production and use of green hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.
Recent Developments & Government Initiatives
The Indian government has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. Recent initiatives include the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar PV modules, the Green Energy Corridor project to facilitate the transmission of renewable energy, and the development of offshore wind energy projects. The revised National Electricity Policy 2024 also emphasizes the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
Conclusion
Circumventing India’s energy crisis requires a concerted effort to harness its vast non-conventional energy resources. While challenges exist, advancements in technology, supportive policies, and increased investment can unlock the full potential of solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal, and tidal energy. A diversified energy mix, coupled with energy efficiency measures and a robust grid infrastructure, is essential for ensuring energy security, promoting sustainable development, and mitigating climate change. The success of India’s energy transition will be crucial not only for its own economic growth but also for global efforts to combat climate change.
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.