Renewable Energy is a type of energy which is derived from renewable sources i.e. natural sources which can be replenished on human scale. Sources of renewable energy are mostly sustainable barring biomass sources.
The examples of renewable energy sources are sunlight(solar energy) Wind(wind energy) movement of water(tidal energy) etc.
As the other sources of energy which are non-renewable depleting at a very fast rate, it is the renewable energy which is the future of human civilization.
Renewable Energy In India
The initial phase of renewable energy started in India in the early 60s with the setting of windmills in the coastal regions of the country. India began using bioenergy and tidal energy in the 70s. Promotion of renewable energy in India effectively started with the setting up of a Commission for Additional Sources of Energy in the Department of Science and Technology in 1981.
The advantages of renewable energy were that they provided new modes of non polluting fuel in the Indian market, and played an effective role in India’s sustainable development. It also gave a major boost to our economy and helped our GDP grow. Apart from conserving nature it also nurtured the future of our coming progenies.
After much effort of our great scientists and engineers India became the world’s third largest producer of renewable energy, with 40% of its installed electricity capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources. We are just behind America and China in this field.
Current Trends
Today in the month of February 2023, the status of our renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, have a combined installed capacity of 174.53 GW. The following installed capacity for Renewables sources of Wind power is 41.9 GW, Solar Power is 63.3 GW, Biomass is 10.2 GW, Small Hydro Power is 4.93 GW, Waste To Energy is 0.52 GW and
Large Hydro is 46.85 GW.
The new trend of renewable energy market includes the introduction of electric vehicles, mainly E-Rickshaws and electric scooty. The new brands such as Ather, Mantra etc are emerging in this progressing industry and have gained instant popularity. Even big companies such as Honda and Bajaj are launching electric scooters. Leaving two wheelers India is also moving at a pace in the world of electric cars, Morris Garages, KIA, etc have launched their battery operated cars in India. The highways that are being opened these days have facilities for charging electric vehicles such as the newly opened Delhi-Mumbai highway. Adding as a catalyst agent, an ore of lithium metal was found in Jammu and Kashmir which will help in the production of more and more batteries in India.
The construction of more and more dams and establishment of green cities, reducing carbon emissions are some more steps being taken to make renewable energy flourish in our country. For example the massive campaign of UJALA LED bulbs will reduce emissions by 40%.
The Future
The country’s future vision is to combat climate change by achieving the target of Net Zero Emissions by 2070, in addition to attaining the short-term targets which include; increasing renewables capacity to 500 GW by 2030,
meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables,
reducing cumulative emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, and
reducing emissions intensity of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 45% till 2030.
The highlights of our Union Budget 2023 shows our future in the field of renewable energy is very bright and some key aspects of it are;
$2.4 Bn National Hydrogen Mission for production of 5 MMT by 2030. $36 Mn additional in Budget
4 GWh Battery Energy Storage Systems supported through Viability Gap Funding
Pumped Storage Projects has received a push with a detailed framework to be formulated and $1.02/2.5 Bn Central Sector Support for ISTS infrastructure for 13 GW Renewable Energy from Ladakh.
Conclusion
Renewable energy is the biggest weapon to combat climate change and pollution in the world and with India gaining dominance in this sector will prove very positive for our future relations and economy. The huge investment of the Indian government for promoting renewable energy shows how serious it is regarding climate.
If the growth speed of India continues like this in the future we can become the top producer of renewable energy in the world, overtaking America and China.
Citations-
https://pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=151141&ModuleId%20=%202