Analyzing Renewable Energy Share in Electricity Capacity

The question asks us to determine in which state and year the percentage share of renewable energy in the total installed electricity capacity was the maximum. We are given data for installed capacity of solar, wind, and coal energy sources for two states (X and Y) in two different years (2011 and 2021), along with their respective populations. To solve this, we need to calculate the total installed capacity and the renewable energy capacity for each state and year, and then find the percentage share of renewable energy.

Understanding the Data

The provided table gives us the installed capacity in Gigawatts (GW) for solar, wind, and coal energy sources, as well as the population in millions (mn) for each state (X and Y) and year (2011 and 2021).

Calculating Renewable Energy Share

Renewable energy sources in this data include Solar and Wind energy. The total installed capacity includes Solar, Wind, and Coal. The percentage share of renewable energy is calculated using the formula:

$\text{Percentage Share of Renewable Energy} = \left( \frac{\text{Solar Capacity} + \text{Wind Capacity}}{\text{Solar Capacity} + \text{Wind Capacity} + \text{Coal Capacity}} \right) \times 100\%$

State X, Year 2011 Calculations:

• Solar Capacity: 2 GW
• Wind Capacity: 0 GW
• Coal Capacity: 10 GW
• Renewable Capacity = Solar + Wind = $2 + 0 = 2$ GW
• Total Installed Capacity = Solar + Wind + Coal = $2 + 0 + 10 = 12$ GW
• Percentage Share of Renewable Energy = $\left( \frac{2}{12} \right) \times 100\% \approx 16.67\%$

State Y, Year 2011 Calculations:

• Solar Capacity: 1 GW
• Wind Capacity: 5 GW
• Coal Capacity: 8 GW
• Renewable Capacity = Solar + Wind = $1 + 5 = 6$ GW
• Total Installed Capacity = Solar + Wind + Coal = $1 + 5 + 8 = 14$ GW
• Percentage Share of Renewable Energy = $\left( \frac{6}{14} \right) \times 100\% \approx 42.86\%$

State X, Year 2021 Calculations:

• Solar Capacity: 28 GW
• Wind Capacity: 15 GW
• Coal Capacity: 42 GW
• Renewable Capacity = Solar + Wind = $28 + 15 = 43$ GW
• Total Installed Capacity = Solar + Wind + Coal = $28 + 15 + 42 = 85$ GW
• Percentage Share of Renewable Energy = $\left( \frac{43}{85} \right) \times 100\% \approx 50.59\%$

State Y, Year 2021 Calculations:

• Solar Capacity: 20 GW
• Wind Capacity: 10 GW
• Coal Capacity: 55 GW
• Renewable Capacity = Solar + Wind = $20 + 10 = 30$ GW
• Total Installed Capacity = Solar + Wind + Coal = $20 + 10 + 55 = 85$ GW
• Percentage Share of Renewable Energy = $\left( \frac{30}{85} \right) \times 100\% \approx 35.29\%$

Summary of Renewable Energy Share Percentages

Let's put the calculated percentages in a table to easily compare them.

Identifying the Maximum Share

Comparing the percentage shares:

• State X, 2011: 16.67%
• State Y, 2011: 42.86%
• State X, 2021: 50.59%
• State Y, 2021: 35.29%

The maximum percentage share of renewable energy in the total installed capacity is approximately 50.59%, which occurred in State X in the year 2021.

Conclusion on Renewable Energy Share

Based on the calculations, the percentage share of renewable energy in the total installed capacity of electricity was maximum for State X in the year 2021.

Revision Table: Electricity Capacity & Renewable Energy

Reviewing key data points and calculations:

The table confirms State X in 2021 had the highest renewable energy share.

Additional Information: Renewable Energy Concepts

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are important for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding installed capacity helps assess the potential electricity generation from different sources. While installed capacity indicates the maximum power a plant can produce under ideal conditions, actual electricity generation can vary based on factors like weather (for solar and wind) or availability (for coal). The percentage share of renewable energy in total installed capacity is a key metric used to track the progress towards a cleaner energy mix.

• Installed Capacity: The maximum output a power plant can produce, measured in Gigawatts (GW).
• Renewable Energy: Energy derived from naturally replenishing sources, such as solar and wind.
• Total Installed Capacity: The sum of installed capacities from all energy sources within a region.
• Energy Mix: The combination of different energy sources used to meet energy demand.