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200 Words12.5 Marks
Q.Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
UPSC Mains 2016•Economy
Model Answer
View this Question In PYQ RealmIntroduction
India is a global leader in renewable energy, making rapid strides to expand its green energy capacity to meet growing demands sustainably. By focusing on solar, wind, biomass, and small hydro, India aims to transition to a low-carbon energy mix, reducing fossil fuel dependence and mitigating climate change.
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Current Status of Renewable Energy in India
- Installed Capacity: As of 2023, India's installed renewable energy capacity is around 125 GW (including 64 GW solar, 43 GW wind, 10 GW bio-power, and 5 GW small hydro), accounting for nearly 38% of total power capacity.
- Solar Energy: Remarkable progress has been made with mega solar parks, such as the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan (over 2.2 GW capacity).
- Wind Energy: India ranks fourth globally in wind power capacity, led by states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
- Biomass and Small Hydropower: Play a key role in decentralized energy generation, particularly in rural and off-grid areas.
Targets to be Achieved
- 2030 Renewable Energy Target: India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 under its Paris Agreement commitments. This includes 280 GW solar, 140 GW wind, 10 GW bio-energy, and 5 GW small hydro.
- Solar Energy Target: A target of 280 GW solar capacity by 2030, focusing on utility-scale solar parks and rooftop solar.
- Wind Energy Target: Aiming for 140 GW of wind capacity by 2030, including offshore wind projects.
- Green Hydrogen Mission: Targets production of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
Importance of the National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
- Energy Efficiency: Launched in 2015 under the UJALA scheme, it has revolutionized energy efficiency. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Reduction in Energy Consumption: Over 360 million LEDs have been distributed as of 2023, saving an estimated 47 billion kWh annually.
- Cost Savings: Lowers electricity bills, making efficient lighting affordable for low-income households.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by lowering electricity demand and fossil-fuel-based power generation.
- Boost to Domestic Manufacturing: Aligns with "Make in India" by fostering domestic LED manufacturing and creating jobs.
- Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP): Replaced over 10 million conventional streetlights with LEDs, improving public safety and reducing municipal costs.
- Scalability: Serves as a global model for large-scale energy efficiency initiatives.
Conclusion
India's renewable energy sector is on an ambitious growth trajectory. Targets like 500 GW by 2030 position India as a key player in the global energy transition, while initiatives like the National LED Programme (UJALA) demonstrate how demand-side energy efficiency can drive sustainable development.