Sansad TV: Clean Energy Transition | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The global power sector is on the verge of a new era where the use of coal, oil, and gas will decline, making way for a significant expansion of wind and solar power. According to a recent analysis by climate think tank Ember, wind and solar power achieved a record-breaking 12% share of global electricity generation last year. This surge in renewable energy has contributed to nearly 40% of the total electricity generated being sourced from low-carbon options. Ember predicts that by the end of 2023, more than 100% of the growth in electricity demand will be met by low-carbon sources. To meet global climate targets, complete decarbonization of global electricity generation is crucial by 2040.

Clean Energy

Clean energy refers to energy obtained from renewable sources that produce zero emissions and do not pollute the atmosphere when used. It also includes energy saved through efficiency measures. In simpler terms, clean energy is derived from renewable sources that don't release harmful pollutants, and it includes energy saved through efficient practices. While there is some overlap between clean energy and green or renewable energy, they are not precisely the same. The ideal clean energy mix is achieved when renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy, aligns with green energy sources. Clean energy sources include sunlight, wind power, hydro or water power, geothermal power, and biomass.

Increasing Access to Clean Energy

To ensure clean fuel reaches rural areas, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana should be complemented by the establishment of biomass pelletising units and the distribution of efficient biomass stoves. In the agricultural sector, there should be an increased focus on distributing solar irrigation pumps with financial support from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and government subsidies. Exploring and researching potential non-conventional energy sources like geothermal energy and tidal energy is vital to make them technologically feasible and accessible.

Prospects for India

NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) have jointly released a report titled "Towards a Clean Energy Economy: Post-Covid-19 Opportunities for India's Energy and Mobility Sectors." The report highlights that India's transport sector has the potential to save 1.7 gigatonnes of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions and reduce fuel demand by about 600 million tonnes of oil equivalent by 2030. Embracing a diverse clean energy supply also reduces dependence on imported fuels, leading to financial and environmental benefits. Renewable clean energy offers inherent cost savings as there is no need for extraction and transport, unlike oil or coal, as these resources naturally replenish themselves. As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, renewable and clean energy sectors become growth areas, creating opportunities in eMobility, power generation, and storage. Developing expertise in these next-generation power solutions can provide employment and contracts, benefiting those who embrace clean energy.

Challenges

• Availability of Power: One of the main concerns in renewable energy is its dependency on natural resources that are beyond human control, leading to fluctuations in power generation.
• Power Quality Issues: Consistently maintaining high power quality is essential for network stability and efficiency. Power quality problems, such as frequency disorders, voltage/current harmonics, low power factor, voltage variations, and transmission line issues, can result in high costs and equipment failures.
• Resource Location: Most renewable energy plants require large areas of space to share energy with the grid. The location dependence of renewable energy sources can be a deterrent for users.
• Information Barrier: Although improving, there is still a lack of information and awareness about the benefits and importance of renewable energy. Government incentives and capital allowances have been introduced to encourage the implementation of renewable energy projects.
• Cost Issue: The high initial installation costs pose a significant obstacle to the development of renewable energy.

Way forward for India

• India must identify strategic opportunities for economic recovery in the short, medium, and long terms that leverage the challenges posed by the pandemic into opportunities for clean energy transition. 
• In the transport sector, this includes enhancing public transport safety, expanding non-motorized transport infrastructure, and establishing India as an automotive export hub. 
• In the power sector, there are opportunities for improving electricity distribution operations, enabling renewables and distributed energy resources, promoting energy resilience, and developing local manufacturing capabilities for renewable energy and energy storage technologies. 
• Strengthening transmission infrastructure, both intra and inter-state, is necessary to support the growth of clean energy. 
• Investing in research and development programmes and human resource development, along with local content requirements, is crucial. 
• Strengthening institutional structures for effective flow of central financial assistance and monitoring the implementation of government policies and programmes is also essential.

Conclusion

• Clean energy is increasingly becoming the future solution for global power needs as the reliance on fossil fuels diminishes. 
• As the adoption of clean, green, and renewable energy continues to advance, costs will decrease, and efforts to develop and implement these new power solutions will create employment opportunities. 
• The environmental, societal, and economic benefits of clean energy are gaining recognition, and as more cities, states, and countries commit to a green power agenda, progress will continue.