Context
While we are grappling with climate pressures, geopolitical tensions, and the push for energy self-reliance, experts recommend a shift from traditional solar technology (Green Technologies) to next-generation, efficient alternatives.
What Are Green Technologies?
Green technologies are nothing but scientific innovations and engineering systems designed to lessen environmental harm, reduce carbon emissions, and foster sustainable energy generation and resource utilisation
Why is it necessary?
(i) Low Efficiency of Conventional Solar Panels: Silicon photovoltaics rule international markets but provide an average of 16.5% field efficiency. More efficient alternatives (e.g., gallium arsenide-based panels at 45+ %) exist, but with limited scale deployment.
E.g., If efficiency doubles, then the requirement of the land will be halved – a crucial factor as urbanisation and conservation stress grow.
(ii) Land Scarcity and Energy Density Trade-offs: Solar plants demand large land areas due to lower energy density. So it becomes the fight of urbanisation, agriculture, biodiversity conservation vs. solar expansion.
E.g. High population density and increasing per capita energy demands, efficient land use becomes very important.
(iii) Questionable Sustainability of Green Hydrogen: Green hydrogen production via electrolysis takes more energy than it returns. Hydrogen is hard to store and transport due to spillage low density and.
(iv) Carbon Dioxide Still Rising Despite Renewable Growth: Global carbon dioxide levels increased from 350 ppm (1990) to 425 ppm (2025) despite large-scale solar installations. It shows renewable growth isn’t overcoming demand or emissions.
E.g. India’s six GW silicon solar cell capacity isn’t enough to make a change without efficiency updates or tech diversification.
(v) Need for Disruptive Innovation: Artificial Photosynthesis & RFNBO: Artificial Photosynthesis (APS) imitates plants to make water + CO₂ → fuel. Also, the European Union is nudging to make carbon-neutral fuels directly from sunlight and air(RFNBO).
E.g. These technologies could eliminate multi-step conversion processes, reduce emissions at source, and ensure energy independence.
Challenges to Realising Better Green Technologies
(i) High R&D Costs and Long Gestation Periods: Creating advanced green technologies like gallium arsenide cells or APS requires large funds beforehand.
(ii) Overdependence on China for Solar Supply Chains: India depends on China for more than 79% of its solar panel parts, making geopolitical and trade risks hover all the time.
(iii) Lack of Large-Scale Validation of Emerging Tech: Technologies like Artificial Photosynthesis or multi-junction photovoltaics remain lab-proven.
(iv) Private Sector Hesitation Due to Market Uncertainty: Investors are unwilling to fund futuristic innovations as they do not have trust in returns (guaranteed) or proven viability.
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Way Forward
(i) Prioritise R&D Funding: Allocate a larger share of the climate budget to disruptive innovations like APS and RFNBOs.
(ii) Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Inspire Indian startups and industries to coordinate and collaborate with indian labs.
(iii) Technology Diversification: No need to over-depend on sole tech. Build an ecosystem of solar, wind, hydrogen, waste-to-energy, and nuclear innovation.
(iv) Land-Efficient Designs: Uplift floating solar, solar rooftops, and building-integrated PVs to get through with land issues.
(v) Global Collaboration: Involved in tech transfer, joint ventures, and climate innovation missions (e.g., Mission Innovation, India-EU Green Deal).
Conclusion
In a world witnessing geopolitical shocks, ecological sensitivity, and growing energy demands, current green technologies – though important – are inadequate. Energy innovation has to exceed energy demand, and “green” must not just be a label but a measurable standard of efficiency, sustainability, and independence. India must be at the forefront with technology foresight, not just technology deployment.