India Renewable Energy Achievement
Summary
*Syllabus: Renewable Energy* *Source: PIB* **Context:** In 2024, India achieved record-breaking milestones in renewable energy installations and policy advancements, setting a robust foundation for future growth. **What is Renewable Energy?** Renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural and replenishable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy is sustainable, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a cleaner environment. **In
Exam Brief
GS-3India achieved record renewable energy installations in 2024. UPSC asks about India's energy mix, targets, and related schemes for GS-3 and prelims.
Key Facts
- India aims for 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- India targets 50% renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- As of January 2025, India has 217.62 GW non-fossil fuel capacity.
- India aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
- 24.5 GW of solar energy was added in 2024.
Prelims — What UPSC Might Ask
- What are India's specific targets for renewable energy capacity by 2030?
This article hasn't been rewritten for exam prep yet. Showing original content.
Source Article Content
Syllabus: Renewable Energy
Source: PIB
Context: In 2024, India achieved record-breaking milestones in renewable energy installations and policy advancements, setting a robust foundation for future growth.
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural and replenishable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy is sustainable, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a cleaner environment.
India Renewable Energy Target:
• 2030 Goal: Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity. • Short-Term Milestones: Reach 50% of energy capacity from renewable sources by 2030. • Current Progress: As of January 2025, India has achieved **217.**62 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity. • Net-Zero Commitment: Attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Major achievements in renewable energy in India:
Category | Achievement | Details Solar Energy | 24.5 GW added | Utility-scale solar grew by 2.8x compared to 2023, led by Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. Rooftop Solar | 4.59 GW installed | Facilitated by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with 7 lakh installations in 10 months. Off-Grid Solar | 1.48 GW added | Recorded a 182% increase, enhancing rural electrification and energy access. Wind Energy | 3.4 GW added | Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu accounted for 98% of new wind installations. Hydropower | Significant modernization | Existing plants upgraded for better efficiency. Total Non-Fossil Energy | Achieved 217.62 GW capacity | Includes solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass, reflecting India’s commitment to its clean energy goals. Government schemes driving renewable energy success:
• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Facilitated rooftop solar installations, especially in urban areas. • Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Strengthened transmission systems for renewable energy-rich states. • Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME): Promoted electric mobility, indirectly supporting renewable energy adoption. • International Solar Alliance (ISA): Aimed to foster global cooperation in solar energy deployment. • National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM): Enhanced grid integration to accommodate variable renewable energy sources. • Hydrogen Energy Mission: Pushed for green hydrogen production as an alternative fuel. Challenges to renewable energy in India:
• Land Acquisition Issues: Large-scale projects like solar parks face resistance from local communities over land use. • Grid Stability: Intermittency of Renewable Energy sources like solar and wind strains grid reliability, especially during peak production. • Storage Limitations: Lack of large-scale energy storage solutions hinders efficient utilization of renewable power. • E-Waste Management: Rising deployment of solar panels and batteries creates challenges in end-of-life recycling. • Resource Dependency: Dependence on imported critical minerals like lithium and cobalt affects the supply chain. • Policy and Regulatory Hurdles: Delayed approvals and inconsistencies in state-level policies slow down project execution. Way ahead:
• Floating Solar Projects: Utilize reservoirs and water bodies for solar installations, preserving land and enhancing efficiency. • Decentralized Energy Systems: Promote blockchain-enabled peer-to-peer energy trading to support small-scale renewable generation. • Green Hydrogen Push: Establish hydrogen highways and integrate surplus renewable energy for hydrogen production. • Circular Economy for E-Waste: Develop comprehensive policies for recycling solar panels and batteries to reduce environmental risks. • Urban Renewable Energy Integration: Create incentives for rooftop solar and wind turbines in densely populated urban areas. • Regional Energy Hubs: Establish Renewable Energy Special Economic Zones (RE-SEZs) for localized manufacturing and innovation. Conclusion:
India’s renewable energy sector has achieved significant progress in 2024, with record-breaking installations and supportive policies. As the country advances towards its 2030 targets, addressing infrastructural, regulatory, and environmental challenges will be crucial to sustaining momentum and ensuring a clean energy future.
Insta Links:
• The-integration-of-smart-grids-and-renewable-energy-sources • “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC- 2018)