Sambhav-2025

Approach In introduction, briefly introduce India’s commitment to non-fossil fuel capacity and its importance. Discuss the opportunities and challenges. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

India's energy security is crucial for its economic growth and sustainability goals. The government has launched several schemes to promote renewable energy, improve grid stability, and reduce carbon emissions. As of January 2025, India’s non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity has reached 217.62 GW, marking significant progress toward the 500 GW target by 2030.

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Opportunities in Achieving the 500 GW Target:

• Abundant Renewable Energy Potential: India has high solar and wind energy potential, with solar capacity exceeding 97 GW as of January 2025.
  • Wind energy capacity has grown significantly, reaching 48 GW, supported by advanced wind mapping and site identification.
• Strong Policy Framework and Government Support: Initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana promote solar adoption, energy transition, and hydrogen economy development.
  • The National Solar Mission (NSM) and the Green Energy Corridor facilitate grid integration and renewable energy expansion.
• Rising Investments and International Collaborations: The renewable sector has attracted significant private and global investments, encouraged by Viability Gap Funding (VGF) schemes and Production-Linked Incentives (PLI).
  • Partnerships with countries like Germany and the US and global platforms like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) enhance technology transfer and funding.
• Declining Costs of Renewable Energy Technologies: The cost of solar and wind energy has reduced significantly, making them cost-competitive with conventional power sources.
  • Government subsidies and tax incentives further enhance affordability, driving mass adoption.
• Expansion of Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Sectors: The approval of ₹7,453 crore for offshore wind projects in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu is a major step toward diversification.
  • Green hydrogen production aims to reach 5 MMT by 2030, creating new industrial opportunities.

Challenges in Achieving the 500 GW Target:

• Grid Integration and Storage Challenges: Renewable energy is intermittent, requiring large-scale energy storage solutions and smart grid upgrades.
  • The Green Energy Corridor is essential for efficient power transmission, but implementation remains slow.
• High Capital Requirements and Financing Gaps: Achieving 500 GW capacity requires substantial investments, with estimated funding needs exceeding $200 billion.
  • Private sector participation is critical, but concerns over policy stability and regulatory clarity persist.
• Land Acquisition and Environmental Concerns: Large-scale solar and wind projects require vast land resources, leading to acquisition hurdles and environmental conflicts.
  • Projects in ecologically sensitive areas face resistance from local communities and environmental groups.
• Dependence on Imports for Key Technologies: India imports over 80% of its solar PV modules, primarily from China, affecting supply chain security.
  • Critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, essential for battery storage, remain scarce domestically.
• Slow Adoption of Energy Storage Solutions: Battery storage and pumped hydro systems are crucial for balancing renewable power supply but remain expensive.
  • Investment in advanced storage technologies and grid modernization is required for efficient utilization.
• Policy and Regulatory Hurdles: State-level variations in policies create uncertainties, affecting renewable energy project approvals.
  • Financially weak DISCOMs (distribution companies) struggle to purchase renewable power, impacting expansion plans.

Conclusion

India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel target marks a major shift towards clean energy. Addressing grid integration, financing, and land challenges is crucial for success. Strengthening domestic manufacturing, storage solutions, and policy stability will ensure India’s leadership in renewable energy and sustainability.