Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer, has committed to a significant shift towards renewable energy sources. The nation has pledged to achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Currently, the share of renewables in India’s installed power capacity is around 42% (as of March 2024). However, translating this installed capacity into actual energy generation and meeting 50% of total energy needs (not just electricity) by 2030 presents a formidable challenge, requiring a concerted effort and strategic policy interventions.
Current Status of Renewable Energy in India
India has made substantial progress in renewable energy deployment, particularly in solar and wind power. As of March 2024, the total installed renewable energy capacity stands at approximately 180 GW, comprising solar (76 GW), wind (43 GW), hydro (46 GW), and bio-power (15 GW). However, the total primary energy consumption is dominated by fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), accounting for around 75% of the energy mix. The remaining 25% is met by renewables and nuclear energy.
Feasibility of Achieving 50% Renewable Energy by 2030
Achieving the 50% target by 2030 is ambitious but potentially feasible, contingent upon several factors:
- Installed Capacity Growth: A significant acceleration in renewable energy capacity addition is crucial. This requires overcoming land acquisition challenges, streamlining environmental clearances, and ensuring grid infrastructure readiness.
- Technological Advancements: Innovations in energy storage (battery technology, pumped hydro storage), smart grids, and green hydrogen production are vital to address the intermittency of renewable sources.
- Financial Investments: Massive investments are needed, both from the public and private sectors. Attracting foreign investment and developing innovative financing mechanisms are essential.
- Policy Support: Consistent and supportive policies, including Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), feed-in tariffs, and tax incentives, are necessary to create a favorable investment climate.
- Sector Coupling: Integrating renewable energy with other sectors like transportation (electric vehicles) and industry (green hydrogen) can significantly increase demand and accelerate the transition.
The Role of Shifting Subsidies
Currently, India provides substantial subsidies to fossil fuels, estimated at over ₹2.5 lakh crore annually (2022-23 data, based on knowledge cutoff). Redirecting these subsidies towards renewable energy can unlock several benefits:
- Reduced Costs: Subsidies can lower the cost of renewable energy technologies, making them more competitive with fossil fuels. This can incentivize greater adoption by consumers and businesses.
- Increased Investment: Reallocated funds can be used to support research and development, infrastructure development, and capacity building in the renewable energy sector.
- Level Playing Field: Removing fossil fuel subsidies creates a level playing field, allowing renewable energy sources to compete on their merits.
- Environmental Benefits: Reducing fossil fuel consumption leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and reduced health impacts.
- Energy Security: Diversifying the energy mix with renewables enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
However, a direct and abrupt removal of fossil fuel subsidies could lead to social and economic disruptions, particularly for vulnerable populations. A phased and well-planned approach, coupled with social safety nets, is crucial. For example, subsidies could be gradually reduced while simultaneously increasing support for renewable energy projects and providing assistance to affected industries and workers.
Challenges and Mitigation
Despite the potential, several challenges remain. Grid integration of intermittent renewable sources requires significant upgrades to transmission infrastructure. Land acquisition for large-scale renewable energy projects can be contentious. Supply chain vulnerabilities for critical components (solar panels, wind turbines) need to be addressed. Mitigation strategies include investing in smart grids, promoting distributed generation, and diversifying supply chains.
Conclusion
While achieving 50% of India’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 is a challenging goal, it is within reach with sustained policy support, technological innovation, and substantial financial investments. A crucial step is the strategic shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables, coupled with a phased approach to minimize disruptions. Success will not only contribute to India’s climate commitments but also enhance its energy security, promote economic growth, and improve public health. Continued monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management will be essential to ensure progress towards this ambitious target.
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.