India’s Total Renewable Energy Capacity Crosses 200 GW Mark

Context

• India has reached a significant milestone as the country’s total renewable energy capacity crosses the 200 GW (gigawatt) mark in 2024.

India’s Energy Basket

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity

• India’s total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW. 
• Having the 8,180 MW (megawatt) of nuclear capacity, the total non-fossil fuel-based power now accounts for almost half of the country’s installed electricity generation capacity. 
• As of 2024, renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity stands at 201.45 GW, accounting for 46.3 percent of the country’s total installed capacity.
  • Solar power contributes towards 90.76 GW, wind power follows closely with 47.36 GW, hydroelectric power generating 46.92 GW and small hydro power adding 5.07 GW, and biopower, including biomass and biogas energy, adds another 11.32 GW. 

India’s Targets

• India has a vision is to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070, in addition to attaining the short-term targets which include:
  • Increasing renewables capacity to 500 GW by 2030,
  • Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables,
  • Reducing cumulative emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, and
  • Reducing emissions intensity of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels. 

Challenges in Renewable Energy

• High Upfront Costs: The initial investment for renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar panels and wind turbines, is significant, which can be a barrier for many regions and investors.
• Geographical Disparities: Renewable resources are unevenly distributed, with some regions having limited access to wind or sunlight. This geographical imbalance can limit the feasibility of renewable energy adoption in certain areas.
• Governance Issue: Inconsistent government policies, regulatory challenges, and bureaucratic delays can slow down project approval and implementation, creating uncertainty for investors and developers.
• Infrastructure Development: The transition to renewable energy requires significant infrastructure development.
  • The speed and scale of this infrastructure development can be a challenge for a country as large and diverse as India.
• Grid Integration: Integrating renewable energy into the existing power grid is a complex task.
  • The grid must be flexible and capable of handling fluctuations in supply.

Steps Taken by Government for Transition to Renewable Energy Sources

• National Solar Mission (NSM): It was launched in 2010, it has set ambitious targets for solar capacity installation, including grid-connected and off-grid solar power projects. 
• Green Energy Corridors: The Green Energy Corridor project focuses on enhancing the transmission infrastructure to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national grid. 
• National Wind Energy Mission: Focuses on the development and expansion of wind energy in India. The target for wind energy capacity is set at 140 GW by 2030.
• National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF): It was established to support research and innovation in clean energy technologies and projects that help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO): This requires power distribution companies and large electricity consumers to procure a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources, encouraging the demand for renewable energy.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM): It includes the installation of solar pumps, solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps, and the establishment of solar power plants on barren or fallow land.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): India played a key role in establishing the International Solar Alliance, a coalition of solar-resource-rich countries to address their energy needs through the promotion of solar energy. 

Conclusion

• This accomplishment is a testament to the nation’s commitment to a sustainable energy future including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. 
• With ambitious targets set for the future, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in renewable energy, contributing to environmental sustainability and energy security. 
• These ongoing efforts reflect a holistic approach to building a greener economy, ensuring that India not only meets its energy needs but also addresses the pressing challenges of climate change and resource conservation.

Source: BS