Industrial Automation Magazine India

Indias Transition to Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development

Published on : Monday 03-06-2024

As the renewable energy capacity increases it becomes critical to integrate energy storage systems and grid infrastructure, says Sharada Prahladrao.

India’s growth story is powered by its energy sector. Efforts are on to reduce the dependence on finite, polluting fossil fuels and shift to renewable and clean sources of energy for sustainable development. Renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves energy security, and provides energy access to remote villages. To accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future, all stakeholders in the value chain must collaborate to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and ensure a better future for all.

At COP-21 in Paris in 2015, India committed to a 40 percent share of power generation from non-fossil fuel sources, and this target has already been achieved. Today, India is the world's fourth largest country in installed capacity of renewable energy (including large hydro). The government has implemented various policies and initiatives to support renewable energy development. These include financial incentives, tax benefits, and competitive bidding processes for project allocation. The government is also attracting domestic and foreign investments in the renewable energy sector.

India’s continued industrialisation and urbanisation will make huge demands for reliable and sustainable energy. The country’s commitment to renewable energy development, supported by favorable policies, targets, and investments, augurs well for this sector. This Insight provides an overall view of India’s energy transition, with a particular focus on solar power.

Current status of renewable energy in India

India has been taking significant steps to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable sources of power. As of March 31, 2023, India’s installed renewable energy (RE) capacity (excluding large hydro) stood at nearly 130 GW, representing about 31 percent of the overall installed power capacity. Solar power is estimated to contribute 66.8 GW, followed by 42.6 GW from wind power, 10.8 GW from biomass, 4.9 GW from small hydropower, 4.8 GW from pumped storage projects (PSP).

Renewable energy sources

Solar Power: Solar power has been a major focus of India's renewable energy development. The country has experienced significant growth in solar capacity and is expected to continue expanding its solar power generation. India has implemented initiatives such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) to promote solar energy adoption. Launched in 2010, the Mission aims to promote ecologically sustainable growth while addressing India’s energy security challenge.

Wind Power: India has abundant wind resources, particularly along its coastal areas. India has been harnessing wind energy through onshore and offshore wind projects, and it aims to significantly increase its wind power capacity in the coming years.

Hydro and Bioenergy: While solar and wind energy have been at the forefront of India's renewable energy efforts, the country also recognizes the importance of hydroelectric and bioenergy sources. India has been exploring the potential of small hydropower projects and is promoting the use of biomass and biogas for energy generation.

As the renewable energy capacity increases it becomes critical to integrate energy storage systems and grid infrastructure. The government has been focusing on developing energy storage technologies and implementing smart grid solutions to facilitate the smooth integration of renewable energy into the power grid.

Solar power in India

India is blessed with abundant sunlight, which can effectively be harnessed to meet the country’s power requirements. Approximately, 5,000 trillion kWh per year of solar energy is incident over India's land area with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per sq.m per day. Solar energy based decentralised and distributed applications have benefited those in rural areas by meeting their requirements for lighting, cooking, etc., in an environmentally friendly manner. The social and economic benefits include:

• Eliminates drudgery and health risk among rural women and girls who had to previously collect firewood and toil in smoky kitchens.
• Generates employment at the village level.
• Improves standard of living and creates opportunities for economic growth.

Article courtesy: ARC Advisory Group

Sharada Prahladrao is the Editor & Public Relations Manager at ARC Advisory Group. Besides editing global research reports she writes Insights, ARCViews and blogs. She has the innate ability to understand complex concepts and express them lucidly. She liaises with the media and contributes articles written by her and ARC colleagues regularly to industrial publications.

Prior to joining ARC, Sharada worked as a copywriter for F D Stewart and Clarion Advertising; provided media-related work for CorvoShandwick, a PR firm; and freelanced for local newspapers. She has been involved with two NGOs: integrating children with disabilities into mainstream education and rural education programs. She’s an alumna of Rishi Valley School, Andhra Pradesh and Mount Carmel College, Bangalore.

Filler with Pix option

Addverb releases 2023 sustainability report

Addverb, a global leader in robotics and automation, released its first Sustainability Report titled 'Technological Ecology'. The report is produced in accordance with GRI Universal Standards and incorporates Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors underscoring Addverb's unwavering dedication to sustainability and commitment. Reporting initiatives from January 1st to December 3st, 2023, the report showcases Addverb's commitment to Technological Ecology, aiming to reduce ecological impact while contributing to the planet's well-being.

Commenting on the release of the report, Mr Sangeet Kumar, Co-founder and CEO, Addverb said, "Addverb harnesses solar energy, employs energy-efficient machinery, and integrates lean manufacturing practices to reduce Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote responsible power consumption. Our vision extends beyond product creation to embedding sustainability throughout our designs and manufacturing processes, focusing on ecological balance and technological advancements."

Addverb is committed to mitigating environmental impact through proactive measures and innovation, including strategic tree-planting initiatives, green belt cultivation for ecological restoration, sustainable water management practices with a focus on groundwater recharge, and fostering an inclusive workplace environment through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Addverb, through this report, reflects its unwavering dedication to sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices. By prioritising environmental stewardship and social responsibility, the company continues to pave the way for a greener and a more sustainable future.

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