Turning Energy Goals Into Action | Gist of Rajya Sabha TV / RSTV (now Sansad TV) - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

India’s renewable energy sector, particularly solar, has seen remarkable growth, with installed capacity rising from 76.37 GW in 2014 to over 220 GW by 2024, targeting 500 GW by 2030. Discussed on Senset TV’s Perspective with Mr. Jagdam Kapal (BJP MP, Energy Committee) and Mr. Subramanyam Pulipaka (CEO, National Solar Energy Federation), the program highlights the success of initiatives like the PM Surya Rooftop Solar Scheme and PM Kusum, alongside challenges in infrastructure and policy harmonization. India’s early achievement of 2030 climate goals underscores its global leadership in sustainable energy.

Key Achievements

• Capacity Growth: Tripled renewable capacity to over 220 GW since 2014.
• Rooftop Solar Success: Over 50 lakh applications, 12 lakh installations under PM Surya.
• Budget Support: ₹21,000 crore allocated for renewable energy in 2024-25.
• Climate Goals Met: Achieved 2030 targets five years early.

Key Highlights

• Solar Surge: 220 GW installed, with 500 GW targeted by 2030.
• Public Participation: 50 lakh+ applications for rooftop solar installations.
• Government Commitment: Record ₹21,000 crore budget for renewables.
• Holistic Decarbonization: Targets electricity, agriculture, industry, and mobility.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Green energy corridor delays due to transmission issues.
• Manufacturing Push: PLI scheme boosts domestic solar production.
• Policy Reform: Proposed Energy Council to unify state-level regulations.

Key Insights

1. Unprecedented Growth
   India’s renewable capacity has tripled in a decade, positioning it as a global leader in climate action, with early achievement of 2030 targets.

2. Rooftop Solar Empowerment
   The PM Surya scheme’s 50 lakh+ applications democratize energy, empowering households and reducing grid strain through inclusive subsidies and training.

3. Government-Industry Synergy
   Strong policy support and industry adaptability drive rapid scaling, with ₹21,000 crore in funding reflecting commitment to sustainable growth.

4. Infrastructure Bottlenecks
   Delays in green energy corridors due to right-of-way and transmission issues risk stranded assets, requiring digital monitoring solutions like Gati Shakti.

5. Indigenous Manufacturing
   PLI schemes reduce import reliance, but sustained R&D in solar PV and HVDC technology is critical for energy security and cost efficiency.

6. Regional Engagement
   Northeast states lag in implementation; state-level incentives and ministerial focus are key to achieving national renewable targets.

7. Policy Harmonization
   An Energy Council, modeled on the GST Council, could streamline regulations, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and accelerate renewable deployment.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges: Addressing transmission delays, boosting northeast participation, and scaling domestic manufacturing.
• Opportunities: Expanding rooftop solar, enhancing R&D, and unifying policies for faster deployment.

Conclusion

India’s renewable energy sector, led by solar, is a global success story, with over 220 GW capacity and ambitious 500 GW targets by 2030. Initiatives like PM Surya and PM Kusum drive public participation, while PLI schemes bolster manufacturing. Overcoming infrastructure bottlenecks and harmonizing policies through an Energy Council will ensure India’s leadership in sustainable energy, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision for a greener future by 2047.