Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s unique peninsular landform, characterized by a long coastline, varied topography, and consistent sunshine, presents significant opportunities for harnessing non-conventional energy resources. Unlike many other nations, India possesses a diverse range of renewable energy potential, stemming directly from its geographical location. The increasing global emphasis on sustainable energy, coupled with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and its ambitious renewable energy targets, makes the exploration and utilization of these resources crucial for energy security and environmental sustainability. This answer will discuss how India’s peninsular location facilitates the development of these resources, providing specific examples.
Geographical Features of Peninsular India & Renewable Energy Potential
The Indian peninsula, comprising the Deccan Plateau and surrounding coastal regions, is endowed with several geographical features conducive to non-conventional energy generation:
- Extensive Coastline: Approximately 7,516.6 km coastline facilitates offshore wind energy and tidal energy harnessing.
- High Solar Insolation: Most of peninsular India receives high solar radiation throughout the year, making it ideal for solar power generation.
- Consistent Wind Patterns: The Western Ghats and coastal areas experience consistent wind patterns, suitable for wind energy.
- Geothermal Potential: Areas like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and parts of Gujarat exhibit geothermal activity.
- Biomass Availability: Agricultural residue and forest cover provide biomass for energy generation.
Harnessing Non-Conventional Energy Resources
1. Solar Energy
India is situated in the ‘sun belt’ of the world, receiving an average solar radiation of 5-7 kWh/m²/day. This makes solar energy a viable option.
- Solar Parks: Large-scale solar parks like the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan (capacity over 2.25 GW) demonstrate the potential. Although Rajasthan isn’t strictly peninsular, the principle applies equally to states like Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
- Rooftop Solar: Government schemes like the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana’ promote rooftop solar installations.
- Solar Thermal Power Plants: Plants utilizing concentrated solar power (CSP) technology are being developed.
2. Wind Energy
The Western Ghats and coastal regions experience strong and consistent winds, particularly during the monsoon season.
- Tamil Nadu: A leading state in wind energy production, benefiting from its coastal location and wind corridors. Muppandal wind farm is one of the largest in India.
- Gujarat: Also has significant wind energy potential along the coastline.
- Offshore Wind Energy: India has a vast offshore wind energy potential, estimated at around 70 GW (MNRE, 2022). Initial projects are underway off the coast of Gujarat.
3. Tidal Energy
India has a long coastline with significant tidal ranges, particularly in the Gulf of Kutch and the Sundarbans.
- Gulf of Kutch: Has been identified as a potential site for tidal power generation.
- West Bengal: The Sundarbans delta also offers tidal energy potential.
- Challenges: High initial costs and environmental concerns (impact on marine ecosystems) hinder large-scale development.
4. Wave Energy
Similar to tidal energy, India’s coastline offers potential for wave energy conversion. However, this technology is still in its nascent stages of development.
5. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal resources are concentrated in areas with volcanic activity or hot springs.
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Have significant geothermal potential, with exploratory drilling underway.
- Gujarat: Certain regions exhibit geothermal gradients suitable for energy generation.
- Challenges: High exploration costs and the need for specialized technology limit development.
6. Biomass Energy
India’s agricultural economy generates substantial biomass waste (agricultural residues, forestry waste, etc.).
- Co-generation Plants: Utilizing bagasse (sugarcane residue) for power generation in sugar mills.
- Biogas Plants: Promoting biogas production from agricultural waste and cattle dung.
- Waste-to-Energy Plants: Converting municipal solid waste into energy.
| Energy Source | Peninsular Advantage | Key States/Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Solar | High solar insolation | Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh |
| Wind | Consistent wind patterns, coastal location | Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra |
| Tidal | Long coastline, significant tidal ranges | Gulf of Kutch, Sundarbans |
| Geothermal | Geothermal activity | Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gujarat |
Conclusion
India’s peninsular location undeniably provides a strong foundation for harnessing non-conventional energy resources. While significant progress has been made, realizing the full potential requires overcoming challenges related to technology, investment, infrastructure, and environmental concerns. Continued policy support, technological innovation, and public awareness are crucial for transitioning towards a sustainable and energy-secure future. Integrating these resources into the national grid and promoting decentralized energy solutions will be key to achieving India’s renewable energy targets and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.
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.