RENEWABLE ENERGY
Environment
1. INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural processes that are continuously replenished. With increasing environmental degradation and rising energy demand, India must shift from fossil fuels to clean, sustainable energy sources.
Major renewable energy sources:
– Solar energy
– Wind energy
– Hydel energy
– Biomass energy
– Geothermal energy
– Tidal energy
– Co‑generation
2. IMPORTANCE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY
2.1 Sustainable and Clean
• Renewable energies are clean, inexhaustible and non‑polluting.
• They reduce carbon emissions and help meet climate goals.
2.2 Climate Change Mitigation
• Renewable energy sources do not release greenhouse gases.
• They help reduce global warming and environmental degradation.
2.3 Inexhaustible Resources
• Solar, wind, and tidal energy sources replenish naturally.
• Unlimited availability ensures long‑term energy security.
2.4 Energy Independence
• Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• Enhances national energy security and economic resilience.
2.5 Employment Generation
• Renewable energy installations create local jobs.
• Solar parks, wind farms, rooftop systems and servicing sectors offer employment.
2.6 Market and Power Supply Assurance
• Helps achieve 24×7 electricity access and strengthens grid stability.
3. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
3.1 High Capital Costs
• Setup cost of solar and wind plants is relatively higher.
• Batteries and power storage systems increase the expense.
3.2 Intermittency Issues
• Renewable sources depend on weather conditions.
• Grid balancing becomes difficult.
3.3 Grid Integration Problems
• Weak transmission infrastructure.
• Need for large‑scale battery storage and smart grids.
3.4 Land Requirement
• Renewable projects require large land areas.
• Land acquisition delays project execution.
3.5 Environmental Concerns
• Wind turbines cause noise pollution and bird deaths.
• Hydropower affects aquatic ecosystems and restricts fish migration.
3.6 Agricultural Energy Demand
• Agriculture consumes a large share of electricity.
• Ensuring reliable power while promoting renewables remains a challenge.
4. GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
4.1 FDI Policy
• 100% FDI allowed under automatic route in renewable energy.
4.2 National Solar Mission
• Part of National Action Plan on Climate Change.
• Aims to promote solar energy capacity across India.
4.3 PLI Scheme
• Provides financial incentives for domestic solar manufacturing and electronics components.
4.4 Green Energy Corridor
• Strengthens transmission networks for renewable energy evacuation.
4.5 Solar Parks and Ultra‑Mega Solar Power Projects
• Goal: create at least 25 solar parks producing 20,000 MW.
4.6 National Clean Energy Fund
• Funds eco‑friendly technology development using carbon tax revenue.
4.7 National Wind–Solar Hybrid Policy
• Promotes hybrid power generation (wind + solar) for grid efficiency.
4.8 SRISTI Scheme
• Provides incentives for rooftop solar installation.
4.9 FAME Scheme (E‑Mobility)
• Promotes hybrid/electric vehicles to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
4.10 PM–KUSUM
• Aims to install 25,750 MW solar capacity in the agriculture sector by 2022.
4.11 National Offshore Wind Energy Policy
• Utilises India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for offshore wind farms.
5. INDIA’S FOCUS FOR NEXT FIVE YEARS
• Shift to cleaner and more affordable energy.
• Explore methanol and biomass‑based economy.
• Promote hydrogen‑based Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs).
• Improve grid integration for variable renewable energy.
6. ULTRA‑MEGA RENEWABLE ENERGY PARKS
6.1 Objective
• Provide plug‑and‑play solar infrastructure.
• Encourage large‑scale investments.
• Support states in meeting Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO).
6.2 Features
• Launched in 2014.
• Target: 40 GW solar power capacity by 2021–22.
• Grid‑connected large‑scale solar projects.
• Minimum project size: 500 MW (smaller allowed in difficult terrain).
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Subject: Environment
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