The primary objective for deploying renewable energy in India is to advance economic development, improve energy security, improve access to energy, and mitigate climate change. Renewable energy technologies plays a major role in sustainable development by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security and providing access to energy communities that previously lacked it.
India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro), 4th in Wind Power capacity & 4th in Solar Power capacity (as per REN21 Renewables 2022 Global Status Report). The country has set an enhanced target at the COP26 of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel based energy by 2030.The ever-expanding industrialization and urbanization will primarily drive the energy demand that is forecasted to reach 405 Gigawatts of renewable energy capacity.
Sustainable development is possible by use of sustainable energy and by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for citizens. Sustainability focusses on equal economic growth, that generates wealth for all, without harming the environment. Investment and an equal distribution of the economic resources will strengthen the other pillars of sustainability for a complete development.
However, renewable excluding hydroelectricity will contribute only 5-6% in India’s energy mix by 2031-32 (Planning Commission). India has an enormous potential for renewable energy across the various sources and greater reliance on renewable energy sources offers enormous economic, social, and environmental benefits.
There are lot of benefits of renewable energy.
•Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution.
•Diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels.
•Creating economic development and jobs in manufacturing, installation, and more.
India’s energy demand was projected to increase by almost 50% between 2019 and 2030, but growth over this period is now closer to 35% in the STEPS, and 25% in the Delayed Recovery Scenario.
