India’s Renewable Energy Capacity

Context

Recently, the Union Minister informed that India’s installed renewable energy capacity has increased by 165% over the past decade, i.e. from 76.38 Gigawatts (GW) in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024.

About

• Solar Power: Back in March 2014, Solar power generation was 2.82 GW, and it is around 85.47 GW of solar power in June 2024. That’s nearly 30 instances of the specific capacity.
  • India achieved 4th function globally in RE (Renewable Energy) Installed Capacity.
• Wind Power: Wind turbines were spinning their way to fulfillment too. It has surged from 21.04 GW to a breezy 46.66 GW in the same period.
  • India carried out 5th position globally in it.

Non-Fossil Fuel

• For the first time ever, India has surpassed the 200 GW mark from non-fossil fuel sources. It consists of:
• 85.47 GW of solar power
• 46.93 GW of large hydro
• 46.66 GW of wind power
• 10.95 GW of biopower
• 5.00 GW of small hydropower

Budget and Tariff

• The budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Renewable Energy has doubled from Rs10,000 crores in the last year to more than Rs20,000 crores this year.
• Solar power tariffs have gone from Rs. 10.95 per unit in 2010-11 to a trifling Rs. 2.60 in 2023-24.

Challenges Faced by the Renewable Energy Sector in India

• Financial Health of Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs): The terrible financial condition of power distribution businesses (discoms), which can be in general owned by means of country governments.
  • Almost all renewable energy is purchased with the aid of such discoms, ensuing in very long and unsustainable price cycles.
• Land Utilisation and Availability: Issues inclusive of loss of a proper Land Utilisation Policy, poorly maintained land records, land ceiling limits, and the task of obtaining permissions from local bodies act as roadblocks to the implementation of big-scale renewable power initiatives.
• Rapid Demand Growth and Chronic Supply Shortages: India currently studies a high growth in power demand pushed by speedy financial growth, which necessitates a shift away from fossil fuels.
  • However, fossil fuels nonetheless dominate global power intake, persevering to elevate GHG emission levels.

Government Efforts in India’s Renewable Energy Sector

• • Permitting FDI: India has authorised FDI up to 100% under the automated direction to draw overseas investments.
  • Waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) expenses: For inter-kingdom sale of solar and wind power for initiatives, ISTS prices were waived off.

• Major Renewable Energy Schemes and Programmes:
• • Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra-mega Solar Power Projects;
  • Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase-II;
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme ‘National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules’;
  • PM-KUSUM Scheme;
  • Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II;
  • Green Energy Corridors (GEC), and;
  • Bio-Energy Programme.
• Increasing Awareness: Efforts had been made by means of the Government to increase attention about using renewable power through introduction of numerous schemes and publicity through print and media.

Conclusion

• India’s report added renewable energy potential in FY24 is a testimony to the country’s dedication to a sustainable and green future.
• As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, India’s strides in renewable energy offer a beacon of hope and a model for other countries to follow.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)

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