India’s renewable energy capacity has reached 201.45 GW, accounting for 46.3 per cent of the country’s total installed capacity. This achievement reflects the country’s commitment to sustainable energy and its progress towards a greener future. According to the Central Electricity Authority, this achievement is the result of the extensive use of the country’s natural resources and years of dedicated efforts towards clean energy.
Renewable Energy
- Renewable energy is energy that is obtained from natural resources and can be regenerated again and again.
- These energy sources are environmentally friendly and cause less pollution than traditional fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
- Renewable energy sources are associated with natural processes, including the sun, wind, water and biological matter.
Major Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Energy
- Energy obtained from the sun is converted into electricity through solar panels. • It is used to generate electricity in homes, industries and other sectors.
- Solar energy capacity is growing rapidly in India, which is a major part of the country’s renewable energy capacity.
Wind Energy
- The kinetic energy of the wind is converted into electricity through windmills.
- Wind energy is a major contributor in coastal areas and some other parts of India.
Hydroelectric Energy
- Electricity is generated from the energy of flowing or falling water.
- It is a sustainable and reliable energy source, which operates through large and small reservoirs.
Biomass Energy
- Energy obtained from organic waste such as agricultural waste, wood, and crop residues.
- It is used for power generation and as fuel, especially in rural areas.
Geothermal Energy
- Energy produced from the internal heat of the Earth.
- It is used to generate electricity and provide heat, although its use in India is limited.
Marine Energy
- Energy generated from sea waves, tides and ocean currents.
- Research and development is ongoing in this field and it can play an important role in the future.
Advantages of Renewable Energy
- Environmental protection: These energy sources reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which helps in controlling the effects of climate change.
- Renewability: These sources never get exhausted, while fossil fuels are limited in quantity.
- Local economy: Renewable energy projects generate new employment opportunities, especially in rural and remote areas.
- Energy security: These energy sources can help any country become self-reliant for its energy needs.
India’s Renewable Energy Capacity: Main Sources
- Solar power: 90.76 GW (India’s largest renewable energy source)
- Wind power: 47.36 GW
- Large hydro: 46.92 GW
- Small hydro: 5.07 GW
- Biomass and biopower: 11.32 GW
Total electricity generation and contribution of renewable energy
- India’s total electricity generation capacity is 452.69 GW, of which 46.3% is renewable energy based. This indicates that India’s energy structure is now becoming more dependent on clean and renewable sources. Also, after adding nuclear power capacity of 8,180 MW, India’s total non-fossil fuel based capacity makes up almost half of the country’s installed capacity, positioning India to play a leadership role in the field of clean energy on the global stage.
India’s Progress Towards Clean Energy
- India has made significant progress in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
- The country’s energy security has been strengthened through diverse sources of renewable energy.
- Large-scale solar parks, wind power projects and hydropower projects have ensured stability and flexibility in India’s energy production.
India’s leading states in renewable energy capacity are playing a vital role in the country’s renewable energy journey. Some of these prominent states are:
Rajasthan
- Renewable energy capacity: 29.98 GW
- Specialty: Rajasthan ranks top in renewable energy by utilizing its vast land and abundant sunlight. It has a significant contribution in solar energy projects.
Gujarat
- Renewable energy capacity: 29.52 GW
- Specialty: Gujarat has widely adopted solar and wind energy projects, placing it in the second position in the country.
Tamil Nadu
- Renewable energy capacity: 23.70 GW
- Highlights: Tamil Nadu is the leading state in wind power generation, taking advantage of its favourable wind pattern.
Karnataka
- Renewable energy capacity: 22.37 GW
- Highlights: Karnataka is performing strongly in both solar and wind power, making it among the top four states.
Key Schemes and Programmes: The Government of India is implementing various key schemes and programmes to promote renewable energy, some of which are as follows:
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: It aims to develop clean energy sources and make India self-reliant in hydrogen production.
- PM-KUSUM Yojana: This scheme encourages farmers to install solar power plants and meet their energy needs.
- PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Schemes: This scheme provides incentives to promote domestic production of solar PV modules.
- Renewable Energy Bids: Bids for 50 GW per year are planned for renewable energy projects from financial years 2023-24 to 2027-28.
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Up to 100 per cent FDI has been permitted under the automatic route to boost investments in renewable energy.
- Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks: These parks are being set up to provide land and transmission for large-scale renewable energy projects.
- Offshore Wind Power Projects: There are plans to promote 1 GW of offshore wind power projects off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
- Uniform Renewable Energy Tariff (URET): Process has been established to ensure a uniform tariff regime for renewable energy.
- Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM): It facilitates sale of renewable energy power through exchanges, thereby providing greater market access to renewable energy producers.