Recent research has revealed the significant influence that forest fires can inflict on solar power production in India. Conducted by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) and National Observatory of Athens (NOA), Greece, the study utilizes remote sensing data to ascertain the detrimental effects of aerosols, clouds, and forest fires on solar energy potential. Proper planning is indispensable for large-scale solar energy development, which necessitates accurate estimation of solar potential. ARIES operates autonomously under the Department of Science & Technology and sits in Nainital (Uttarakhand).
Understanding Forest Fires: Description and Causes
Forest fires, also known as bush or vegetation fires, are characterized by uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion that consumes natural fuels in environments like forests, grasslands, brush lands, or tundras. These fires can be ignited through human activities, such as land clearing or extreme drought, or in rare circumstances, lightning. There are three necessary conditions for a wildfire to exist: fuel, oxygen, and a heat source.
The Study Findings: Effects on Solar Power Generation
The study points out several elements, including clouds, aerosols, and pollution from various sources, that limit solar irradiance. These factors lead to performance issues in the installations of photovoltaic and concentrated solar power plants. Foremost among these obstacles are forest fires, which can substantially reduce solar energy production. The findings create heightened awareness among decision-makers regarding the impact of forest fires on energy management and planning on a national scale.
Implications for Sustainable Development and Energy Management
The wide-reaching implications of the research touch on climate change mitigation processes and policies, and the direct and indirect impacts on sustainable development. The analysis of energy and financial losses due to forest fires can aid grid operators in planning and scheduling power generation. These considerations can also influence distribution, supply security, and overall stability of power production.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
A question from the 2018 examination asked students to consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
The correct answer was neither of these statements was accurate. Silicon wafers are thin slices of semiconductor, such as crystalline Silicon (c-Si), used in the fabrication of integrated circuits and in photovoltaics to manufacture solar cells. The top producers of Silicon are China, Russia, the United States, and Brazil, with India not among them. Additionally, solar tariffs are set by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, not the Solar Energy Corporation of India.