युवा आवेग

After the US and China, India is currently the third-largest generator of renewable energy worldwide. Nearly 43% of India's installed electricity capacity as of 2024 comes from renewable sources, and the government wants to have 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.

This change is about more than simply environmental responsibility; it's also about job growth, economic resilience, and energy security. While clean energy projects create jobs and draw in international investment, reducing reliance on fossil fuels helps India save billions on oil imports.

Solar energy has grown at the quickest rate of any renewable energy source. Since 2014, India's solar capacity has more than doubled due to aggressive initiatives and falling solar panel prices.

India's ambition is demonstrated by massive projects like the world's largest solar park, the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan. Urban rooftop solar installations are expanding quickly, and states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka are spearheading the solar revolution.

By putting solar panels and pumps on their property, farmers are empowered to make money through government initiatives like PM-KUSUM (Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan). Furthermore, by encouraging domestic production of solar modules, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) program is lowering reliance on imports.

Particularly in the southern and coastal states, wind energy is a key component in India's green transformation. More than half of India's wind farms are located in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

The industry is ready for another boom because to advancements in turbine technology and offshore wind potential along India's western coast. Starting with trial projects off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, the government's National Offshore Wind Energy Policy seeks to harness the nation's estimated 70 GW of offshore potential.

India is expanding its renewable strategy into new fields like:

1) Green Hydrogen: As part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India wants to establish itself as a global centre for the production of clean hydrogen for use in the steel, cement, and transportation sectors.

2) Bioenergy and Waste-to-Energy: In an effort to advance the ideas of the circular economy, startups and municipalities are turning organic waste into bio-CNG and electricity.

3) Hydropower and Energy Storage: In order to balance sporadic renewable energy sources, pumped hydro projects and battery systems are essential.

The uptake of renewable energy has been aided by India's policy ecology. The Solar Parks Scheme, Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), and the Electricity (Amendment) Bill have simplified project development and encouraged private involvement.

Through the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a group of more than 100 nations co-founded with France to promote solar energy globally, India is taking the lead on a global scale. India's dedication to climate leadership is further demonstrated by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

With over 500,000 direct jobs in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing, the renewable energy sector has become a major employer. It has also changed rural economies by enabling small businesses, lowering pollution, and improving health outcomes. For instance, solar microgrids in Jharkhand and Odisha are empowering tribal communities and increasing agricultural productivity while lowering reliance on diesel in Rajasthan.

Despite impressive advancements, a number of obstacles still exist:

1) Large-scale projects are frequently delayed by transmission and land acquisition obstacles.

2) Because renewable energy sources are intermittent, better grid integration and storage facilities are needed.

3) Power distribution companies' (DISCOMs') financial strain prevents renewable energy from being adopted on time.

4) Concerns regarding supply chain vulnerability are raised by reliance on imported parts, particularly solar cells from China.

5) Stakeholder cooperation, technology development, and ongoing policy innovation are needed to address these problems.

In order to maintain grid stability, India's renewable energy revolution must now move from rapid expansion to sustainable consolidation. Public-private partnerships and community involvement can guarantee equitable access and long-term success. The transition must also remain just and inclusive, guaranteeing that workers and coal-dependent regions receive retraining and alternative livelihoods.

India's clean energy path is a goal for independence, economic stability, and global leadership rather than just an environmental project. India is demonstrating to the world that development and sustainability can coexist as wind turbines emerge along the coasts and solar fields blossom across deserts. India is at the forefront of the renewable revolution, which is happening now rather than in the future.