India’s Energy Evolution
This summary is based on “India shows the way on energy transformation,” published in The Hindustan Times on January 3, 2025. It outlines India’s strides toward energy transformation and highlights key challenges, initiatives, and solutions.
Why This News Matters
- India’s electricity demand is growing rapidly, with an 8% increase in 2023-24 due to economic expansion.
- The nation’s ambitious 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030 showcases its commitment to sustainable development.
- Challenges like grid infrastructure, storage capacity, and equitable energy access remain critical in ensuring sustainable energy growth.
Key Points on India’s Energy Transition
Achievements and Milestones
- Electricity Demand and Renewable Energy Growth:
- 8% rise in electricity demand in 2023-24 reflects economic and digital growth.
- 24.2 GW renewable energy added in 2023-24; universal electricity access achieved.
- Coal Share Decline:
- For the first time since the 1960s, coal’s share in power generation dropped below 50%.
- India added 15 GW of renewable energy between April-November 2024, double the capacity added in 2023.
- Global Leadership:
- Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) aim to unlock $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.
- Advocacy at COP29 for equitable energy funding and free access to green technology.
Key Challenges
- Intermittency of Renewable Energy:
- Solar and wind energy face issues of inconsistency.
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) remain underdeveloped, with only 33 MW capacity compared to the 213 GW renewable energy generated.
- Coal Dependency:
- Peak demand expected to exceed 260 GW in 2024; coal remains a primary backup.
- Heavy reliance on coal challenges India’s net-zero emissions by 2070 commitment.
- Funding Gaps:
- $10.1 trillion investment required to achieve net-zero by 2070.
- Delayed subsidies under PM-KUSUM slow solar irrigation adoption.
- Grid Infrastructure:
- Aging grids lead to curtailment of renewable power.
- Green Energy Corridor project faces delays.
- Energy Inequality:
- While villages were electrified by 2018, 2.4% of households (mostly rural) remain unelectrified.
- Dependence on Imports:
- $7 billion solar equipment imports in 2023-24, with 62.6% sourced from China.
- Land and Environmental Issues:
- Large renewable projects cause displacement and ecological concerns, e.g., protests in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Solutions and Initiatives
- Decentralized Energy Access:
- Adoption of solar mini-grids and rooftop solar systems.
- Programs like PM-KUSUM reduce reliance on diesel by 1.38 billion liters annually.
- Energy Storage Investments:
- Companies like JSW Group investing in 50 GWh battery capacity by 2030.
- Partnerships with Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) for solar-battery farms.
- Electrifying Mobility:
- FAME II scheme boosts EV adoption; 1.5 million EV sales recorded in 2023.
- PLI schemes for Advanced Chemistry Cells support manufacturing.
- Offshore Wind Projects:
- 1 GW offshore wind projects approved in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, aiming for 140 GW by 2030.
- Collaboration with Denmark through Energy Partnerships.
- Just Energy Transition:
- Skill development programs for coal-dependent states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
- Setting up green industries in coal belts to diversify economies.
- Domestic Manufacturing Push:
- Expanded PLI Scheme for Solar Manufacturing to reduce import dependency.
- Partnerships with global leaders for advanced technology.
- Agri-Voltaics:
- Combining solar panels with farming for dual land use and income generation.
- Energy Efficiency Programs:
- Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme saved 68 million tonnes CO2 emissions.
- UJALA Scheme distributed 36 crore LED bulbs, saving ₹19,153 crore annually.
Key Terms Explained
- PM-KUSUM: Scheme promoting solar pumps and grid-connected solar power in rural areas.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): India-led global initiative to promote solar energy use.
- FAME II: Incentive scheme for adopting electric vehicles in public and private sectors.
- Green Energy Corridor: Infrastructure project to integrate renewable energy into the grid.
- Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT): Market-based mechanism to improve industrial energy efficiency.
- Agri-Voltaics: Combining agriculture with solar energy generation for efficient land use.
Steps to Overcome Challenges
- Expand Renewable Manufacturing: Increase domestic production of solar modules, wind turbines, and batteries.
- Modernize Grids: Deploy AI-based grid management and predictive maintenance.
- Scale Energy Storage: Invest in lithium-ion and solid-state batteries for renewable reliability.
- Promote Green Hydrogen: Use renewables to produce hydrogen for industries like steel and transport.
- Encourage Circular Economy: Recycle solar panels and reuse materials from wind turbines.
- Enhance Land Utilization: Optimize renewable projects to minimize displacement and ecological impact.
Conclusion
India’s energy transition represents a critical step toward sustainable development and global leadership in clean energy. By scaling renewable energy, addressing storage challenges, and investing in domestic manufacturing, India can achieve its ambitious 500 GW renewable target by 2030. Ensuring just transitions for coal-dependent regions, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering public-private synergies are essential for creating an inclusive energy future. This progress aligns with global goals like SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) while driving national economic growth.
