Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, represents a landmark achievement in global climate action, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. As a signatory nation, India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, from 2005 levels, and achieve about 50% cumulative installed power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources. To fulfill these commitments, India has embarked on an ambitious journey of promoting green energy, encompassing a diverse range of initiatives aimed at transitioning towards a sustainable energy future. This answer will discuss these initiatives in detail, highlighting their scope, impact, and associated challenges.
India’s Green Energy Initiatives
India’s green energy transition is multifaceted, encompassing solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen. The government has implemented various policies and schemes to accelerate the deployment of these technologies.
1. Solar Energy
- National Solar Mission (NSM): Launched in 2010, the NSM aims to achieve 100 GW of installed solar capacity by 2022 (later revised to 200 GW by 2030). It comprises various programs like rooftop solar, solar parks, and grid-connected solar projects.
- PM-KUSUM Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan): Launched in 2019, this scheme aims to promote the use of solar power for irrigation and rural electrification. It has three components: setting up decentralized ground-mounted solar power plants, providing solar pumps to farmers, and solarizing existing grid-connected pumps.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Solar PV Manufacturing: Introduced in 2021, this scheme incentivizes domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules, aiming to reduce import dependence and boost the domestic solar industry.
Current Status (as of November 2023): India has achieved over 73 GW of installed solar capacity. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka are leading states in solar power generation.
2. Wind Energy
- National Wind Energy Mission: Focuses on harnessing wind energy potential, particularly in coastal areas and states with favorable wind regimes.
- Repowering Policy: Allows for the replacement of older, less efficient wind turbines with newer, more powerful ones, increasing energy generation from existing wind farms.
- Offshore Wind Energy: India has significant offshore wind energy potential, particularly along its coastline. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is actively exploring and developing offshore wind projects.
Current Status (as of November 2023): India has an installed wind power capacity of over 42 GW. Tamil Nadu is the leading state in wind energy generation.
3. Hydro Power
- Small Hydro Power (SHP): India is promoting the development of small hydro projects, which have minimal environmental impact and can provide decentralized power supply.
- Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH): PSH projects are being developed to provide grid stability and energy storage, complementing intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Current Status (as of November 2023): India has an installed hydro power capacity of over 50 GW, including large and small hydro projects.
4. Biomass Energy
- National Biomass Mission: Aims to promote the utilization of biomass resources for power generation, heat, and transportation fuels.
- Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Plants: India is focusing on establishing WtE plants to convert municipal solid waste and agricultural residue into energy.
Current Status (as of November 2023): India has an installed biomass power capacity of over 10 GW.
5. Green Hydrogen
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: Launched in January 2023, this mission aims to make India a global hub for the production, use, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. It has a budget of ₹19,744 crore.
- Green Hydrogen Policy: Provides a framework for the production, storage, transportation, and utilization of green hydrogen.
Challenges to Green Energy Transition
- Land Acquisition: Acquiring land for large-scale renewable energy projects can be challenging due to social and environmental concerns.
- Grid Infrastructure: The existing grid infrastructure needs to be upgraded to accommodate the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.
- Financing: Securing adequate financing for renewable energy projects can be difficult, particularly for smaller projects.
- Supply Chain Issues: Dependence on imports for key components like solar PV modules and wind turbines can disrupt the supply chain.
- Storage Solutions: Developing cost-effective energy storage solutions is crucial for ensuring grid stability and reliability.
| Renewable Energy Source | Installed Capacity (approx. Nov 2023) | Target (2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Solar | 73 GW | 200 GW |
| Wind | 42 GW | 140 GW |
| Hydro | 50 GW | Incremental growth |
| Biomass | 10 GW | Incremental growth |
Conclusion
India’s green energy initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Paris Agreement. While significant progress has been made in expanding renewable energy capacity, overcoming challenges related to land acquisition, grid infrastructure, financing, and storage is crucial for achieving a sustainable energy future. The National Green Hydrogen Mission represents a bold step towards decarbonizing the economy and establishing India as a global leader in green energy technologies. Continued policy support, technological innovation, and international collaboration will be essential for accelerating the green energy transition and achieving India’s climate goals.
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.