Sustainable energy, also known as renewable energy, has been gaining momentum around the world as countries seek to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Sustainable energy adoption is a global trend driven by concerns about climate change, energy security, and economic development. While progress varies from region to region, the shift towards renewables is expected to continue as technology advances and costs decrease.

A brief overview of sustainable energy initiatives in different regions and in India in particular: Do you know? India is the third largest energy consuming country in the world.

Europe: The European Union has been a leader in promoting renewable energy. Many European countries have set ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption, with some aiming for 100% renewable energy in the coming decades. Wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass are among the primary sources of renewable energy in Europe.

North America: The United States and Canada have seen significant growth in renewable energy capacity in recent years. States like California have implemented policies mandating a certain percentage of energy come from renewables. Wind and solar power are particularly prominent in North America, with large-scale projects dotting landscapes from coast to coast.

Asia: China has become the world’s largest investor in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind power. The Chinese government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment as part of its efforts to address air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. India is also rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, with a focus on solar power.

Latin America: Countries like Brazil and Chile have abundant renewable energy resources and have been investing in hydropower, wind, and solar energy. Brazil, for instance, relies heavily on hydroelectric power for its electricity needs. Chile has been making significant strides in solar energy, with vast solar farms powering cities and industries.

Africa: Many African countries are turning to renewable energy to expand access to electricity and reduce reliance on costly imported fuels. Solar power holds enormous potential due to the continent’s abundant sunlight. Countries like Morocco and South Africa have been investing in large-scale solar projects.

Oceania: Australia has seen substantial growth in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind power. The Australian government has set renewable energy targets and provided incentives for renewable energy projects. New Zealand also relies heavily on renewable energy, primarily from hydroelectricity and geothermal sources.

Progress of sustainable energy in India:

India has been actively pursuing sustainable energy initiatives as part of its commitment to address energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote economic development.

India stands fourth globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro), fourth in Wind Power capacity & fourth in Solar Power capacity (as per REN21 Renewables 2022 Global Status Report). India’s installed non-fossil fuel capacity has increased 396% in the last 8.5 years and stands at more than 179.57 GW (including large Hydro and nuclear), about 42% of the country’s total capacity (as of Nov 2023). India saw the highest year-on-year growth in renewable energy additions of 9.83% in 2022.

Here are some of the key aspects of sustainable energy in India:

As of Dec 2023, Renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, have a combined installed capacity of 180.79 GW in India.

The installed capacity for Renewables:

• Wind power: 44.73 GW
• Solar Power: 73.31 GW
• Biomass/Co-generation: 10.2 GW
• Small Hydro Power: 4.98 GW
• Waste To Energy: 0.58 GW
• Large Hydro: 46.88 GW

Solar Power: India has one of the largest solar power capacities in the world. The government launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010, aiming to deploy 20 GW of grid-connected solar power by 2022. Due to favorable policies, falling solar panel prices, and increasing investment, India surpassed this target ahead of schedule. The country is now targeting even more ambitious goals for solar energy deployment. According to recent reports from Govt. of India – The installed solar energy capacity has increased by thirty times in the last 9 years and stands at 74.30 GW as of Jan 2024. India’s solar energy potential is estimated to be 748 GWp as estimated by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). The installed Renewable energy capacity (including large hydro) has increased by around 128% since 2014.

Wind power: Wind energy is another significant contributor to India’s renewable energy portfolio. The country has abundant wind resources, particularly along its coastline and in regions like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The government has implemented various policies and incentives to promote wind energy development, including feed-in tariffs and competitive bidding processes.

Hydropower: India has a substantial hydropower potential, and it remains an important source of renewable energy. Large hydropower projects have been developed across the country, contributing to electricity generation and water management. However, there are concerns about the environmental and social impacts of some hydropower projects, leading to debates over their sustainability.

Biomass and Bioenergy: Biomass, including agricultural residues and organic waste, is utilized for power generation and cooking in rural areas of India. The government has been promoting the use of biomass-based energy systems, including biogas plants and biomass power plants. However, there are challenges related to sustainability, such as ensuring the sustainable sourcing of biomass feedstocks.

Policy and Regulation: India has implemented various policies and regulations to support renewable energy deployment, including the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which includes specific goals for renewable energy adoption. Additionally, state-level renewable energy policies and initiatives play a crucial role in driving sustainable energy development.

International cooperation: India has engaged in international partnerships and initiatives to accelerate its transition to sustainable energy. For example, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched by India and France, aims to promote solar energy deployment globally, particularly in countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

In recent years India is making significant strides in sustainable energy, driven by a combination of policy support, technological advancements, and increasing investment. However, challenges remain, including grid integration issues, financing constraints, and the need for continued innovation to overcome barriers to renewable energy deployment.

References;

https://www.investindia.gov.in/

https://pib.gov.in/

https://energsustainsoc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13705-019-0232-1

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