Harnessing the Power of Renewable Energy in India

With its growing population and rapid industrialization, India urgently needs to shift toward renewable energy. In this blog, we will explore the necessity of renewable energy, analyze current energy statistics, assess progress, and discuss untapped potential and future promises.

---

1. The Need for Renewable Energy in India

1. Severe Pollution Levels:

   • Delhi's AQI often exceeds 400 reducing life expectancy by up to 10 years.

   • Coal-fired power plants contribute 60% of India's total electricity, worsening air pollution.

2. Health Impact:

   • Air pollution causes over 1.6 million deaths annually in India (Lancet, 2023).

3. Climate Change:

   • India is the third-largest emitter of CO₂, contributing 7% of global emissions.

   • Transitioning to renewables is crucial to meet the net-zero target by 2070.

4. Energy Security:

   • India imports 85% of its crude oil and 25% of its coal, straining foreign reserves.

   • Renewables can reduce dependency on imported fuels.

5. Employment Generation:

   • The renewable sector could create 3.5 million jobs by 2030 (IRENA).

6. Economic Benefits:

   • India's renewable capacity reached 209.44 GW in 2024, saving billions in fuel imports.

   • Solar energy costs dropped by 80% in the last decade, making it competitive with coal.

7. Sustainable Development:

   • Renewables support rural electrification and decentralized energy solutions, improving livelihoods.

8. Global Leadership:

   • India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, leading the global clean energy transition.

---

2. Current Statistics of Energy Generation and Consumption

India’s energy mix is transforming, but non-renewable energy sources still dominate. Below are the latest statistics:

Energy Generation (2024):

• Total Installed Capacity: Approximately 452.69 GW.

• Renewable Energy: Around 203.18 GW (46.3%).

  • Solar: 57.72% of renewable energy, approximately 117.24 GW.

  • Wind: 31.51% of renewable energy, approximately 64.04 GW.

  • Biomass (Bagasse): 6.37% of renewable energy, approximately 12.95 GW.

  • Small Hydro: 3.38% of renewable energy, approximately 6.87 GW.

  • Biomass (Non-Bagasse): 0.62% of renewable energy, approximately 1.26 GW.

  • Waste to Energy (Off-grid): 0.23% of renewable energy, approximately 0.47 GW.

  • Waste to Power: 0.17% of renewable energy, approximately 0.34 GW.

• Non-renewable Energy: Approximately 249.51 GW (53.7%).

  • Coal: Approx 205 GW.

  • Gas: Approx 25 GW.

  • Nuclear: Approx 7 GW.

---

3. India’s Progress in Renewable Energy

Progress in the Last 1 Year:

• Addition of ~12 GW of renewable capacity:

  • Solar: ~8 GW

  • Wind: ~3 GW

  • Other (Biomass/Small Hydro): ~1 GW

Progress in the Last 5 Years:

• Renewable energy capacity increased by ~56 GW:

  • Solar: Grew from ~16 GW to ~72 GW.

  • Wind: Grew from ~32 GW to ~44 GW.

• Initiatives like PM-KUSUM and large-scale solar parks have driven this growth.

• India’s rank improved to 4th globally in renewable energy capacity.

---

4. Untapped Potential in Renewable Energy

India’s renewable energy sector holds immense potential, but much of it remains untapped. Here’s a breakdown:

India has tapped only about 11% of its renewable energy potential.

---

5. The Future Promise by the Indian Government

India has set ambitious renewable energy targets to combat climate change and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources:

1. 500 GW Renewable Energy Capacity by 2030:

   • Aiming for ~60% of total energy capacity from renewable sources.

2. Net-Zero Emissions by 2070:

   • India is committed to achieving carbon neutrality with a focus on renewables.

3. Green Hydrogen Mission:

   • Targeting 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen production annually by 2030.

   • Plans for 125 GW of renewable energy dedicated to hydrogen production.

4. PM-KUSUM Scheme:

   • Solarizing agricultural pumps to reduce diesel dependence.

5. Investment in Offshore Wind:

   • Exploring offshore wind potential with initial projects in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

The government’s proactive policies and international collaborations position India as a global leader in renewable energy.

---

Conclusion

India’s renewable energy journey is a story of significant progress and enormous potential. With strategic investments and robust policies, India can transition to a cleaner, sustainable energy future. Embracing renewables is an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity to create jobs and ensure energy independence.