India met its target of obtaining 40% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030 in November 2021. India committed to this target as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at COP 21 of UNFCCC (Paris Agreement). In April 2016, India had 42,800 MW of installed renewable energy capacity. The State sector develops the majority of total capacity, accounting for approximately 39% (approx), followed by the Private sector (31% approx), and the Center (29% approx). In this article, we will discuss the Installed power generation capacity in India which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Government of India Targets

• The Government of India has set the following targets:
  • to reduce India's total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030;
  • reduce the carbon intensity of the nation's economy by less than 45% by the end of the decade;
  • achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070; and
  • increase India's renewable energy installed capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
• In India, 45 solar parks totaling 37 GW have been approved.
• Solar parks in Pavagada (2 GW), Kurnool (1 GW), and Bhadla-II (648 MW) are among the top five operational solar parks in the country, with a total capacity of 7 GW.
• Gujarat is constructing the world's largest renewable energy park, a 30 GW solar-wind hybrid project.
• India provides an excellent opportunity for RE investments, with $ 196.98 billion in projects currently under construction.
• India ranked third globally in total renewable power capacity additions in 2021, trailing China (136 GW) and the United States (43 GW).
• The Green Hydrogen Mission is expected to produce 4.1 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually.

Important Initiatives Taken

PM-KUSUM

• It was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to encourage the installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas and to reduce reliance on the grid in grid-connected areas.

Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Program

• The "National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules" Production Linked Incentive Scheme was launched with an outlay of Rs. 4500 crores to support and promote manufacturing of high efficiency solar PV modules in India, including upstage vertical components like cells, wafers, ingots, and polysilicon, and thus reduce import dependence in the Solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) sector.

Solar Parks Plan

• To facilitate large-scale grid-connected solar power projects, a scheme for "Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects" is being implemented, with a target capacity of 40 GW by March 2022.

Phase II of the Rooftop Solar Program

• It provides for financial assistance of up to 4 GW of solar roof top capacity to the residential sector, as well as a provision to incentivize power distribution companies for incremental achievement over the previous year.

Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme

• A scheme for establishing 12 GW Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by Central Public Sector Undertakings using domestic cells and modules is currently being implemented.
• Viability Gap Funding support is provided under this scheme.

Hydrogen Mission

• The Prime Minister announced the launch of the National Hydrogen Mission, with the goal of making India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production and export.

International Solar Alliance

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an inter-governmental treaty-based international organisation with a global mandate to catalyse global solar growth by lowering the cost of solar financing and technology.
• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is assisting large nations in scaling global commitments, thereby serving the planet's needs for reduced carbon emissions, while also assisting economically more vulnerable nations in establishing a self-sustaining energy alternative that reduces trade dependency and drives job creation.
• The ISA Framework Agreement has been signed by 106 countries.

OSOWOG

• The OSOWOG was jointly released by India and the United Kingdom at the COP26 Climate Meeting in Glasgow.
• India's Prime Minister developed the concept of "One Sun, One World, One Grid" for global interconnected solar energy infrastructure.
• Its goal is to assist in ensuring that clean, efficient power is the most cost-effective, accessible, and dependable option for all countries in meeting their power needs by 2030.
• It aims to create a framework for a global cooperation initiative aimed at maximising the use of renewable energy sources around the world and to accelerate the mobilisation of technical and financial resources required to advance action on green grids.

National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy

• The main goal of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, 2018, is to provide a framework for the promotion of large grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid systems for the optimal and efficient utilisation of wind and solar resources, transmission infrastructure, and land.

National Offshore Wind Energy Policy

• The National Offshore Wind Energy Policy was notified in October 2015, with the goal of developing offshore wind energy in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) along the Indian coastline of 7600 km.

Other Renewables for Power Generation

• Energy from Urban, Industrial, and Agricultural Wastes/Residues Program.
• Scheme to promote biomass-based cogeneration in sugar mills and other industries.
• Biogas Power (Off-Grid) Generation and Thermal Application Program (BPGTP).
• New National Biogas and Organic Manure Program (NNBOMP).

Measures of Promote Renewable Energy

• Identification of Areas: Renewable resources, particularly wind, cannot be installed everywhere; they require a specific location. Identification of these specific locations, integration with the main grid, and power distribution are the three elements that will propel India forward.
• Exploration: More storage solutions should be investigated.
• Agriculture Subsidy: Agricultural subsidies should be revised to ensure that only the necessary amount of energy is consumed.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Based Vehicles and Electric Vehicles: These are the best options for transitioning to renewable energy sources, and this is where we need to focus our efforts.

Conclusion

India is the world's third largest energy consumer and ranks third in the renewable energy country attractive index in 2021. The country has set an ambitious goal of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by the end of 2022, which will be increased to 500 GW by 2030. This is the world's largest renewable energy expansion strategy. Renewable energy capacity (including large hydro) has increased from 76.37 GW in March 2014 to 159.95 GW in May 2022, representing a 109.4% increase.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the target for renewable energy capacity set by the Government of India for 2030?

A) 200 GW
B) 500 GW
C) 300 GW
D) 700 GW

2. Which of the following states is constructing the world’s largest renewable energy park?

A) Tamil Nadu
B) Gujarat
C) Maharashtra
D) Rajasthan

3. What is the primary purpose of the "One Sun, One World, One Grid" (OSOWOG) initiative?

A) To increase fossil fuel consumption
B) To create a global interconnected solar grid
C) To reduce electricity production
D) To promote coal-based power generation

4. Which of the following is India’s most significant renewable energy source?

A) Biomass
B) Wind
C) Solar
D) Hydro

5. What is the role of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in global renewable energy efforts?

A) Regulate fossil fuel use
B) Reduce the cost of solar financing and technology
C) Promote nuclear energy
D) Control water usage

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the progress made by India in increasing its installed renewable energy capacity and its impact on sustainable development.

Answer: India has made significant progress in increasing its installed renewable energy capacity, with over 158 GW of renewable capacity in 2022, representing nearly 40% of its total installed power capacity. This includes solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. This progress has contributed significantly to India’s goals of reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy security. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, India is also supporting global efforts to combat climate change. The growth in renewable energy has spurred job creation, innovation, and infrastructure development, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth.

Q2: How does India’s renewable energy expansion contribute to its climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement?

Answer: India’s renewable energy expansion is central to its climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement. By aiming to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030, India is significantly contributing to the global effort to limit global warming. The country has set a target to reduce the carbon intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Expanding renewable energy capacity, especially solar and wind, helps reduce India’s dependence on coal and other fossil fuels, thereby cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Q3: Discuss the potential challenges India may face in achieving its renewable energy goals by 2030.

Answer: India faces several challenges in achieving its renewable energy goals by 2030. These include the high initial investment required for renewable infrastructure, the need for technological advancements in energy storage to deal with the intermittency of solar and wind power, and the challenges of integrating renewable energy into the existing grid. Additionally, land acquisition for large-scale solar and wind projects and the availability of financing for such projects in rural areas can also pose hurdles. However, with the right policy frameworks, global cooperation, and financial incentives, these challenges can be overcome.

Previous Year Questions on Installed Power Generation Capacity

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: What is the target set by India for renewable energy capacity by 2030?

A) 400 GW
B) 500 GW
C) 600 GW
D) 700 GW

Answer: (B)

Explanation: India has set a target of achieving 500 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 3):

Question: Discuss India’s renewable energy targets and the challenges in meeting these targets.

Answer: India’s renewable energy targets include achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030. While India has made significant strides, challenges remain in terms of financing, technology, and infrastructure. The intermittent nature of renewable sources like solar and wind, along with the need for efficient energy storage systems, poses a challenge. Additionally, land acquisition issues and integration of renewable energy into the grid are also significant obstacles that need to be addressed through innovation and investment.