As nations aim to reduce their carbon footprint, renewable energy has taken center stage. India is one such nation making significant strides towards achieving its renewable energy targets. As part of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the Paris Agreement during COP 21, India committed to sourcing 40% of its electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. This article details India’s accomplishments in the renewable energy sector and its future goals, alongside the challenges it faces, and the initiatives implemented to overcome them.
India’s Success in Renewable Energy Targets
In November 2021, India proudly announced that it hit its target—nine years ahead—of achieving 40% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources. The country’s installed renewable energy capacity stands at a commendable 150.54 GW, broken down into solar power (48.55 GW), wind power (40.03 GW), small hydro power (4.83 GW), bio-power (10.62 GW), and large hydro power (46.51 GW). In addition, India’s nuclear energy capacity reaches 6.78 GW. Notably, India boasts the 4th largest wind power capacity worldwide.
Raising the Bar: Future Goals
India has further committed to achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, as announced at COP26. This ambitious goal surpasses the prior target, demonstrating India’s intent to lead in the renewable energy sector.
Challenges Along the Path
The road to reaching renewable energy targets is not without obstacles. Key issues include arranging finances for deployment goals, identifying suitable lands for renewable energy projects, creating an innovation and manufacturing ecosystem, and integrating a larger share of renewables with the grid. Additionally, supplying firm and dispatchable power from renewables and penetrating so-called hard-to-decarbonize sectors are also challenging.
Initiatives to Overcome Challenges
To mitigate these challenges, several initiatives have been implemented. These include the PM-KUSUM programme, which supports off-grid solar pump installation in rural areas, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which encourages the manufacturing of high-efficiency solar PV modules. Other initiatives like the Solar Parks Scheme, Roof Top Solar Programme Phase-II and Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme have also been put into place.
Further, the Hydrogen Mission aims to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. The International Solar Alliance is also helping to catalyze solar growth globally, and the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy and National Offshore Wind Energy Policy have been devised to maximize utilization of wind and solar resources. A range of programmes focusing on other renewable power generation sources have also been launched.
A Forward-Looking Approach
Looking ahead, identifying suitable locations for renewable energy projects, exploring additional storage solutions, rectifying agricultural subsidies, and promoting hydrogen fuel cell-based and electric vehicles are key areas of focus. The amalgamation of these strategies will help catapult India towards its renewable energy objectives.
While renewable energy cannot completely replace conventional power sources yet, the progress India has made in engaging and maximizing renewable resources has set a strong foundation for a more sustainable future. With continued investment and dedication, India has the potential to lead in the global shift towards renewable energy.