Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by concerns over climate change and energy security. While conventional energy sources like fossil fuels have historically dominated, renewable energy, particularly solar power, is gaining prominence. Solar energy, derived directly from sunlight, offers a sustainable alternative with numerous advantages. India, with its abundant sunshine, is strategically positioned to leverage this resource. The nation is witnessing a surge in solar energy capacity, supported by ambitious government targets and initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fostering energy independence.
Benefits of Solar Energy over Conventional Energy Generation
Conventional energy generation, primarily reliant on fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) and nuclear power, presents several drawbacks. Solar energy offers a compelling alternative, boasting a range of benefits:
- Environmental Sustainability: Solar energy is a clean energy source, producing minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation, unlike fossil fuels which contribute significantly to climate change. It also reduces air and water pollution associated with coal mining and oil drilling.
- Renewable Resource: Sunlight is a virtually inexhaustible resource, ensuring long-term energy security. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are finite and subject to depletion.
- Reduced Water Consumption: Solar power plants, particularly photovoltaic (PV) systems, require significantly less water for operation compared to thermal power plants, which rely heavily on water for cooling. This is crucial in water-stressed regions.
- Decentralized Generation: Solar energy can be deployed in both large-scale solar farms and distributed generation systems (rooftop solar), enhancing energy access and reducing transmission losses.
- Economic Benefits: Solar energy creates employment opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. It also reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, improving the balance of payments.
- Grid Stability: With advancements in energy storage technologies (batteries), solar energy can contribute to grid stability by providing ancillary services.
Comparison of Solar and Conventional Energy
| Feature | Solar Energy | Conventional Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Resource Availability | Renewable, Abundant | Finite, Depletable |
| Environmental Impact | Low Emissions, Minimal Pollution | High Emissions, Significant Pollution |
| Water Consumption | Low | High |
| Fuel Cost | Zero | Significant |
| Land Use | Moderate to High (for large farms) | Moderate (but often with associated mining impacts) |
Government Initiatives for Solar Energy
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote solar energy adoption:
- National Solar Mission (NSM): Launched in 2010, the NSM aims to achieve 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2022 (later revised to 500 GW by 2030). It comprises various schemes and programs.
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM): This scheme provides financial support to farmers for setting up solar power plants and solar pumps.
- Rooftop Solar Scheme: Provides subsidies for installing rooftop solar systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
- Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme: Encourages CPSUs to set up solar power projects.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Offers incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules.
- Solar Parks: Development of large-scale solar parks with common infrastructure to reduce costs and facilitate project development.
- Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO): Mandates electricity distribution companies to procure a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources.
Furthermore, states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka have implemented their own solar policies to accelerate solar energy deployment within their respective jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Solar energy presents a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources, offering significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. The Indian government’s proactive policies and ambitious targets are driving the growth of the solar sector. However, challenges such as land acquisition, grid integration, and energy storage need to be addressed to unlock the full potential of solar energy and achieve a cleaner, more secure energy future for India. Continued investment in research and development, coupled with supportive regulatory frameworks, will be crucial for sustained progress.
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.