What is a Clean Energy Transition?
India’s clean energy transition is a multidimensional process that comprises the movement from traditional fuels to renewable sources of energy. It consists of solar, wind, and biomass. This transition is guided by the necessity to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, foster energy security, as well as propel sustainable economic growth.
India’s Status in Clean Energy
(a) India ranks 4th globally in total renewable energy installed capacity. It reached 191 GW as of May 2024, comprising ~81 GW solar, 46 GW of wind, and 64 GW from a combination of hydro & biomass.
(b) India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity. Also, ensure a 50% renewable share in the electricity mix by 2030. And with a long-term commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070. (UNFCCC, COP26 Declaration).
Need to Shift Toward Clean Energy
(i) Ensuring Energy Security: India imports 80% of its crude oil & 50% of its coal. It makes India vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Clean energy can lessen this dependency & enhance strategic autonomy.
(ii) Catalysing Jobs & Green Growth: The Economic Survey states that India’s renewable energy sector can create 3.5 million jobs by 2030.
(iii) Fulfilling Climate Commitments: India pledged to reduce 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2030. This will help achieve net-zero by 2070, reinforcing its leadership in climate diplomacy under the Paris Agreement.
(iv) Safeguarding Public Health: Fossil fuel pollution contributes to over 1.7 million premature deaths annually in India. Clean energy will significantly reduce the disease burden and healthcare costs.
(v) Accelerating Renewable Energy Growth: India’s renewable energy capacity has reached 191 GW. And is on the way to an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Challenges in India’s Clean Energy Transition
(i) Land Acquisition and Community Resistance: Projects frequently encounter opposition due to land conflicts. This happens particularly in ecologically sensitive and tribal regions.
(ii) Grid Integration and Infrastructure Deficits: Intermittency of solar and wind power stresses the national grid, and storage and forecasting solutions remain nascent.
(iii) Financing Constraints: India needs $400 billion in clean energy investments by 2030.
(iv) Dependence on Imports for Critical Materials: India significantly depends on China and the DRC for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. So, it creates vulnerabilities in the supply chain.
(v) Lack of Recycling Framework: India does not have a robust e-waste policy for solar panels and batteries. By 2050, it will be the fourth-largest producer of solar panel waste.
(vi) Socio–economic Transition for Coal-dependent Regions: States like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh face job losses and economic disruption due to their dependence on coal mining.
Key Government Initiatives
(i) National solar mission: Promote large-scale solar deployment and reduce the cost of solar power.
(ii) PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Provide free electricity (up to 300 units/month) to 1 crore households through rooftop solar installations.
(iii) National Green Hydrogen Mission: Facilitate the production and export of green hydrogen to decarbonise heavy industries and transport.
(iv) International Solar Alliance (ISA): Global platform of tropical nations to enhance cooperation in solar energy deployment and financing.
(v) FAME India Scheme – Phase II: Accelerate adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and strengthen EV charging infrastructure.
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Way Forward
(i) Land-Use Innovation: Utilise the 35 GW potential of floating solar on reservoirs and canals. Also, it will promote agrivoltaics for dual land use.
(ii) Just Transition and Green Skills: Launch a “Green Collar Mission” to reskill 1 million coal-dependent workers by 2030.
(iii) Decentralised Solar Expansion: Scale rooftop solar to 40 GW under PM Surya Ghar and implement peer-to-peer energy trading pilots.
(iv) Domestic Manufacturing and R&D: Expand the PLI scheme to cover storage systems as well as electrolysers. Alongside, boost R&D in next-gen clean technologies.
(v) Energy Storage and Grid Modernisation: Target 50 GW of battery storage by 2030. Moreover, upgrade grid reliability through intelligent and AI-based systems.
(vi) Global Finance and Partnerships: Mobilise green finance via ISA, Quad, and G20, and establish a Sovereign Green Fund for climate infrastructure.
Conclusion
India’s clean energy transition is a strategic imperative, propelling economic growth, job creation, and amplified energy security. With innovative policies and global partnerships, India is poised to lead the green energy revolution, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.