In recent years, the world has been facing a pressing issue – the depletion of non-renewable energy sources. As the demand for energy continues to rise, it has become imperative for us to find sustainable alternatives. In this regard, India has taken a significant step towards a greener future by targeting to establish a renewable energy capacity of more than 160 GW.
This ambitious goal was set by the Indian government in 2015, as part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change. The agreement aims to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and India’s target of 160 GW of renewable energy capacity is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Renewable energy refers to energy that is generated from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources are infinite and do not emit harmful greenhouse gases, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly option. India’s renewable energy capacity currently stands at around 90 GW, and the target of 160 GW by 2022 is a significant leap towards a greener and cleaner future.
One of the key sources of renewable energy in India is solar power. The country has a vast potential for solar energy, with an average of 300 sunny days in a year. The government has launched several initiatives to promote solar energy, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and the Solar Park Scheme. These initiatives have led to a significant increase in solar power capacity, with India becoming the third-largest solar market in the world.
Wind energy is another major contributor to India’s renewable energy capacity. The country has a coastline of over 7,500 km, making it ideal for setting up wind farms. The government has set a target of 60 GW of wind power capacity by 2022, and with the current capacity standing at around 38 GW, it is well on its way to achieving this goal.
Hydropower, biomass, and biofuels are also significant sources of renewable energy in India. The government has launched various schemes and policies to promote these sources, such as the National Biogas and Manure Management Program and the National Biomass Cookstoves Initiative. These initiatives not only help in reducing the country’s carbon footprint but also provide employment opportunities in rural areas.
Apart from the environmental benefits, the establishment of a renewable energy capacity of 160 GW will also have a positive impact on the economy. It will reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, thus saving valuable foreign exchange. It will also create job opportunities in the renewable energy sector, which is expected to employ over 300,000 people by 2022.
The Indian government has taken several measures to achieve its target of 160 GW of renewable energy capacity. It has provided various incentives and subsidies to promote the use of renewable energy, such as generation-based incentives, accelerated depreciation, and tax holidays. It has also introduced competitive bidding for solar and wind projects, which has led to a significant reduction in the cost of renewable energy.
The government’s efforts have yielded positive results, with India’s renewable energy capacity witnessing a steady growth in the past few years. As of March 2021, the country’s total installed renewable energy capacity stands at 94.4 GW, with solar and wind energy contributing the most. This is a significant achievement, considering that India’s renewable energy capacity was only 35 GW in 2014.
However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed to achieve the target of 160 GW by 2022. One of the major challenges is the intermittency of renewable energy sources. Unlike traditional power plants, solar and wind energy are dependent on weather conditions, making it difficult to ensure a constant supply of electricity. The government is working towards addressing this issue by promoting energy storage solutions and implementing smart grid technologies.
In conclusion, India’s target of establishing a renewable energy capacity of more than 160 GW is a commendable step towards a sustainable future. It not only helps in mitigating the effects of climate change but also has a positive impact on the economy. The government’s efforts, along with the support of the private sector, have brought the country closer to achieving this goal. With continued efforts and investments, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in renewable energy.
