India is expected to be the largest contributor to the renewables boom in 2021, with annual renewables growth in the country doubling from 2020. The use of nonrenewable energy sources has caused more environmental damage than any other human activity. Electricity generated from fossil fuels has resulted in high concentrations of harmful gases in the atmosphere. As a result, many environmental and health issues exist today. As a result, alternative energy sources have grown in importance and relevance. In this article, we will discuss Renewable Energy which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Sources of Renewable Energy

• Primary Sources - Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geo-thermal are the primary sources.
• Secondary sources - Nonrenewable energy derived from the conversion of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels.

Renewable Energy in India

• India is the world's third largest electricity consumer and third largest renewable energy producer, with renewable energy accounting for 38% (136 GW out of 373 GW) of total installed energy capacity in 2020.
• According to Ernst & Young's (EY) 2021 Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI), India is ranked third, after the United States and China.
• India committed to producing 50% of its total electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 as part of the Paris Agreement's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions targets in 2016.
• The Central Electricity Authority of India set a goal of producing 50% of total electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 in 2018.
• The government has increased the target for renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022, which includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from biopower, and 5 GW from small hydropower.
• India has also set a renewable energy target of 500 GW by 2030.
• As of September 2020, 89.22 GW of solar energy is already operational, 48.21 GW of projects are in various stages of completion, and 25.64 GW of projects are in various stages of bidding.
• In 2020, three of the world's top five largest solar parks were in India,
  • including the world's largest 2255 MW Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan;
  • world's second-largest solar park, Pavgada Solar Park Tumkur in Karnataka; and
  • 100MW Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.
• Wind power in India has a strong manufacturing base, with 20 manufacturers producing 53 different wind turbine models of international quality up to 3 MW in size, with exports to Europe, the United States, and other countries.
• In terms of installed hydroelectric power capacity, India ranks fifth worldwide.
• As of 31 March 2020, India's installed utility-scale hydroelectric capacity was 45,699 MW, or 12.35% of its total utility power generation capacity.
• As of November 2020, India had 10 nuclear reactors under construction with a combined capacity of 8 GW and 23 existing nuclear reactors in operation in 7 nuclear power plants with a total installed capacity of 7.4 GW (3.11% of total power generation in India).
• Nuclear power is India's fifth-largest source of electricity, trailing coal, gas, hydroelectricity, and wind power.

Installed Power Generation Capacity in India

• India's installed renewable energy capacity stood at 158.12 GW as of April 2022, accounting for 39.43% of total installed power capacity.
  • Solar: 55.34 GW
  • Wind: 40.53 GW
  • Small hydro Power: 4.85 GW
  • Bio-power: 10.68 GW
  • Large Hydro: 46.72 GW
• India has the world's fourth-largest wind power capacity.
• At the COP26, India committed to achieving 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Installed Power Generation Capacity in India

Solar Energy

• India is one of the few countries that has long days and plenty of sunshine by nature.
• We can generate electricity from solar energy in two ways:
  • Photovoltaic Electricity - generates electricity by absorbing direct sunlight through photovoltaic cells.
  • Solar-Thermal Electricity - A solar collector with a mirrored surface reflects sunlight onto a receiver, which heats a liquid. This heated liquid is used to produce steam, which generates electricity.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Solar Energy

Wind Energy

• Wind energy is the kinetic energy associated with atmospheric air movement.
• Wind turbines convert wind energy into mechanical power, which is then converted to electric power to generate electricity.
• Germany, the United States, Denmark, Spain, and India account for 80% of the world's installed wind energy capacity.

What is a Wind Farm?

• Wind farms are places with a significant number of huge wind turbines clustered together.
• They "harvest" the wind's energy. These massive turbines resemble super-tall windmills in appearance.
• Hundreds of wind turbines can be spread out over hundreds of kilometers in a huge wind farm.
• The land in between the turbines could be used for anything else, like conventional farming.
• Some wind farms are built near bodies of water as well. They use the breezes that blow across lakes or oceans to their advantage.

Types of Wind Farm

• Onshore Wind Farms
• Onshore wind energy refers to wind turbines that are positioned on land and generate electricity using the wind.
• They're usually found in places with little conservation or habitat value.
• Offshore Wind Farms
• Offshore wind power, also known as offshore wind energy, is when the wind is utilized to create electricity over open water, usually in the ocean.
• Wind farms are built in areas with higher wind speeds, such as bodies of water.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Wind Energy

Hydro Power

• Hydropower is the use of water's natural force to generate electricity (kinetic energy).
• Hydroelectric systems capture the energy and convert it to power using a turbine and generator.
• Because the sun replenishes the water supply, hydropower is regarded as a renewable energy source. This implies that it is a limitless resource.
• It's also environmentally friendly because it doesn't produce greenhouse gases, which contribute significantly to pollution and global warming.
• Today, China is the world's greatest hydropower generator, followed by Canada, Brazil, and the United States.
• Hydropower is expected to be the world's dominating energy resource for many years to come due to its abundance.

Types of Hydropower Plant

• Impoundment Hydropower Plant
• Diversion Hydropower Plant
• Pumped storage Hydropower Plant

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Hydro Power

Ocean Thermal Energy

• Large amounts of solar energy are stored in the oceans and seas. The tropical seas absorb solar radiation equivalent to the heat content of 245 billion barrels of oil on average.
• The process of harnessing this energy is known as OTEC (ocean thermal energy conversion).
• It uses temperature differences between the ocean's surface and depths of about 1000 metres to power a heat engine, which generates electricity.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Ocean Thermal Energy.

Biomass

• Biological material, such as that found in plants and animals, is what is referred to as organic material, or biomass.
• Plants, wood, and waste are the most common biomass materials used for energy. They are referred to as biomass feedstocks.
• A non-renewable energy source that uses biomass is also possible.
• The energy in biomass is initially obtained from the sun: through photosynthesis, plants transform carbon dioxide and water into nutrients (carbohydrates).
• Both direct and indirect methods can be used to convert the energy from these creatures into useable energy.
• Direct combustion of biomass can provide heat, direct conversion of biomass to electricity, or direct conversion of biomass to biofuel (indirect).

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Biomass

Cogeneration

• The sequential generation of two separate forms of usable energy from a single primary energy source, often mechanical and thermal energy, is known as cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP).
• Mechanical energy can be utilized to power an alternator, which generates electricity, or to power rotating equipment, such as a motor, compressor, pump, or fan, which provides a variety of services.
• Thermal energy can be used directly in processes or indirectly to generate steam, hot water, hot air for dryers, or chilled water for process cooling.
• Cogeneration, in practice, comprises the use of otherwise lost heat (such as a manufacturing plant's exhaust) to generate additional energy benefits, such as providing heat or power for the building in which it is running.
• Cogeneration is beneficial to both the bottom line and the environment, as it avoids the use of polluting fossil fuels by recycling waste heat.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Cogeneration

Waste to Energy

• Waste-to-energy (WtE) is a term that refers to the process of using waste to generate energy in the form of electricity, heat, or fuels.
• Modern waste-to-energy facilities differ from traditional trash incinerators in that the latter do not remove hazardous or recyclable materials before burning.
• Although the majority of waste-to-energy plants burn municipal solid trash, some also burn industrial or hazardous waste.
• A contemporary, well-run waste-to-energy facility separates rubbish before burning it, and recycling can coexist.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Waste to Energy

Geothermal Energy

• Geothermal energy is natural heat derived from the earth's interior that can be used to generate electricity and heat structures.
• A layer of hot, molten rock called magma exists beneath the earth's crust.
• The decay of naturally radioactive materials like uranium and potassium produces heat in this layer on a continuous basis.
• Heat within 10,000 meters (33,000 feet) of the earth's surface contains 50,000 times more energy than all of the world's oil and natural gas reserves combined.
• There are three types of geothermal resources: geopressurized zones, hot-rock zones and hydrothermal convection zones.
• Only the first of these three is currently being commercially exploited.
• Hot Springs, Geysers and Lava Fountain are some natural examples of geothermal energy.
• According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, geothermal resources in India have been mapped, and as per general estimates there could be a 10 gigawatt (GW) geothermal power potential.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Geothermal Energy

Fuel Cells

• A fuel cell is a device that uses a chemical reaction to generate electricity.
• A positively charged ion (Hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (oxygen) are used in fuel cells.
• Fuel cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte that permits positively charged (hydrogen) ions to travel between the two sides.
• Fuel cells differ from batteries in that they require a constant source of fuel.
• Direct current (D.C) is produced by both batteries and fuel cells.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link Fuel Cells

REN21

• REN21 stands for Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century.
• The purpose of REN21 is to promote the worldwide transition to renewable energy by facilitating policy formation, knowledge exchange, and cooperative action.
• Governments, non-governmental organizations, research and academic institutions, international organizations, and business come together at REN21 to learn from one another and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.
• Renewable energy generation has increased by nearly 7% last year, bringing its proportion of the worldwide electricity generation mix to 29 percent, up from 27 percent in 2019.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this link REN21

India’s Key Focus for Next 5 Years

Methanol and Biomass

• Use of other alternatives such as methanol-based economies and biomass.
• The government is also aiming for bio-CNG vehicles with a 20% gasoline blend.
• Biomass energy generation is a better option because it will help to clean up cities while also reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
• Biomass-based fuels have a high calorific value and are cleaner than traditional biomass.

The Dual Challenge

• India faces the dual challenge of providing more and cleaner energy to its population.
• It should concentrate on manufacturing solar panels under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative because the demand is to create jobs and supply decentralised energy to all Indian households.
• Developing the entire supply chain of all components other than the manufacturing sector.

Hydrogen-based FCV

• It is likely to change the renewables landscape, and transitioning to Hydrogen-Based Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV) is another area of focus.

Grid Integration

• It is the practise of creating efficient methods of supplying variable renewable energy (RE) to the grid.

Renewable Energy - Benefits

• Private-sector opportunity: PM indicated the possibility of a $20 billion-per-year business in the renewable energy sector.
  • A target of 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 implies that we must add nearly 25-30 GW of renewable energy capacity per year.
  • The private sector can capitalise on this as a high return on investment opportunity.
• Low maintenance costs: When compared to traditional energy sources such as coal-based or oil-based thermal power plants, solar energy has the advantage of almost no need for fuel procurement as well as less wear and tear due to the lack of movement of parts.
• Government incentives: Renewable energy will always be incentivized to invest additional resources and create more energy capacity.
• Sustainability: Because renewable energy is a cleaner source of pollution, it benefits the environment in general while also reducing pollution and the diseases associated with it.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Private sector investment in renewable energy would also help the government achieve its goal of self-reliance. It will also generate job opportunities in the country.
• Last-mile connectivity: Because renewable energy can be decentralised, it is better suited to extending last-mile connectivity in remote areas where stretching the main grid may not be financially feasible.
  • This is also cost-effective for the government and citizens because decentralised connectivity reduces transmission and distribution losses.

Renewable Energy - Challenges

• Solar and wind energy are inherently variable in terms of availability, both spatially and geographically.
  • Unlike thermal or nuclear energy, they are not available on demand. As a result, they must be supplemented with other sources of energy in order to maintain the base load.
• To overcome the variable nature of renewable energy sources, it is critical to invest in affordable large-capacity batteries. This would necessitate sufficient government commitment to instil confidence in the private sector.
• Renewable energy necessitates the establishment of large-scale projects in order to capitalise on economies of scale. This necessitates a significant initial investment, which can be a deterrent at the start of the project.
• It is critical to establish manufacturing capacity in India in order to reduce imports and promote Atmanirbhar Bharat. More manufacturing would also result in increased investment and job creation in India.

Conclusion

Efficient use of renewable energy would reduce our reliance on nonrenewable energy sources, make us energy self-sufficient, and make our environment cleaner. As more green power sources are developed to replace conventional generation, the overall environmental impacts of electricity generation will be significantly reduced.

FAQs

Q1: What is renewable energy?

Q2: What are the main types of renewable energy?

Q3: Why is renewable energy important?

Q4: What are the benefits of solar energy?

Q5: How does wind energy work?

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a type of renewable energy?

a) Coal

b) Natural gas

c) Solar energy

d) Nuclear energy

2. What is the primary advantage of using renewable energy sources?

a) They are non-polluting

b) They are cheaper than fossil fuels

c) They are available only in specific regions

d) They can be used indefinitely

3. Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?

a) Wind

b) Biomass

c) Natural gas

d) Geothermal

4. What technology is commonly used to harness wind energy?

a) Solar panels

b) Wind turbines

c) Hydroelectric dams

d) Biomass reactors

5. Which sector benefits the most from renewable energy?

a) Agriculture

b) Manufacturing

c) Transportation

d) All of the above

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of renewable energy in combating climate change.

Answer: Renewable energy plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary drivers of global warming. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produce little to no emissions during operation. Transitioning to renewable energy not only helps limit global temperature rise but also enhances energy security by decreasing reliance on finite fossil fuel resources. Moreover, investing in renewable technologies fosters sustainable economic growth and job creation in emerging industries, further contributing to climate resilience.

Q2: Evaluate the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to renewable energy in India.

Answer: Transitioning to renewable energy in India presents both challenges and opportunities. Challenges include infrastructural constraints, the need for substantial investment, technological barriers, and ensuring energy access in rural areas. However, the opportunities are immense, given India’s abundant renewable resources, particularly solar and wind. The government's initiatives, like the National Solar Mission, aim to increase capacity and investment in renewables. Moreover, a shift towards renewable energy can enhance energy security, reduce air pollution, and create jobs, aligning with India's commitment to sustainable development and climate action.

Q3: Analyze the impact of renewable energy policies on economic development.

Answer: Renewable energy policies significantly impact economic development by promoting sustainable growth and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. By fostering innovation and investment in clean energy technologies, these policies can stimulate job creation in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance sectors. Additionally, renewable energy projects can enhance energy access, particularly in remote areas, thereby facilitating local economic development. Furthermore, the shift towards renewables contributes to a healthier environment, reducing healthcare costs associated with pollution. Overall, effective renewable energy policies can drive long-term economic growth while addressing climate change challenges.

Previous Year Questions on  Renewable Energy

1. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: "Critically examine the potential of renewable energy in addressing India's energy crisis."

Answer: Renewable energy holds significant potential for addressing India’s energy crisis, characterized by growing demand and energy shortages. With abundant solar and wind resources, India can harness these alternatives to supplement its energy mix. The government’s initiatives, such as the National Solar Mission, aim to expand renewable capacity significantly. Additionally, integrating renewables into the grid can enhance energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, challenges such as infrastructural limitations, the need for technological advancements, and policy support are crucial for realizing this potential and ensuring a sustainable energy future for India.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: "Discuss the significance of solar energy in the context of sustainable development in India."

Answer: Solar energy is vital for sustainable development in India due to its abundance and low environmental impact. As one of the largest solar energy producers globally, India aims to harness solar power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb greenhouse gas emissions. The expansion of solar energy initiatives contributes to job creation, enhances energy access, and supports rural development by providing electricity to remote areas. Furthermore, solar energy systems promote energy independence and resilience, aligning with India's sustainable development goals. However, achieving widespread solar adoption requires addressing challenges such as technological advancements, financing, and grid integration to maximize its benefits for sustainable development.