Source: The post is based on the article “Renewable targets outstrip policy enablers” published in the Business Standard on 29th April 2023. Syllabus: GS-3: Energy Relevance: About renewable energy targets. News: Indian renewable energy project developers are facing progressively higher hurdles each year. This raises the question of whether India needs new targets or supportive policies.… Continue reading Renewable targets outstrip policy enablers
Tag: renewable energy
India’s fossil fuel lessons for net zero
Source– The post is based on the article “India’s fossil fuel lessons for net zero” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd April 2023. Syllabus: GS3- Infrastructure: Energy News– India has faced many challenges in creating self-sufficiency. The same practices should not be repeated in the case of renewable energy. What are the challenges India faced… Continue reading India’s fossil fuel lessons for net zero
“How Delhi is leading the charge in electric vehicle adoption”
News– Electric Vehicle Penetration in Delhi has reached 9 percent as against the national average of 1.6 percent, making Delhi leading state in India in EV penetration. This anomaly exists despite the countrywide launch of FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of E-vehicles) Scheme by the central government. How Electric vehicle adoption may help Delhi and Country to fight Pollution Vehicular emission… Continue reading “How Delhi is leading the charge in electric vehicle adoption”
United Nations grants observer status to International Solar Alliance in a historic decision
What is the news? The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has granted Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This will help provide for regular and well-defined cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations that would benefit global energy growth and development. About International Solar Alliance (ISA) – Click Here to read about… Continue reading United Nations grants observer status to International Solar Alliance in a historic decision
A leap forward for fusion power
News: Physicists at the National Ignition Facility, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, in Livermore California, claim to have generated nearly as much energy as they put into an inertial confinement system. This development is regarding the break through research in nuclear fusion process. Though Nuclear fusion has many benefits, some drawbacks make it unviable as of… Continue reading A leap forward for fusion power
Nuclear fusion could be close enough to start blue-sky gazing
News: The nuclear-fusion startup, Helion, recently announced that it has developed new technologies that may make nuclear fusion viable. Nuclear fusion could be used to produce relatively clean energy (hydrogen fuel), which could then be deployed in a number of ways, unleashing a chain reaction across the global economy. How cheap and clean energy could… Continue reading Nuclear fusion could be close enough to start blue-sky gazing
NITI Aayog Launches Geospatial Energy Map of India
What is the News? NITI Aayog has launched the Geospatial Energy Map of India. About Geospatial Energy Map of India Developed by: NITI Aayog in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Objective Firstly, to provide a holistic picture of all energy resources of the country. This will enable visualisation of energy installations such as… Continue reading NITI Aayog Launches Geospatial Energy Map of India
Nuclear power: A climate response that gets short shrift
Synopsis: There is need to move away from fossil fuels, but the current green energy paradigm needs some serious examination. Introduction The world has been dealing with a power and energy crisis and the factors that caused this emergency are complex and differ somewhat from country to country. What does the analysis of green energy… Continue reading Nuclear power: A climate response that gets short shrift
Green Grids Initiative-One Sun One World One Grid Northwest Europe Cooperative Event
What is the News? Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has addressed the Ministerial session of the Green Grids Initiative-One Sun One World One Grid Northwest Europe Cooperative Event. Note: In May 2021, the United Kingdom and India have agreed to jointly launch the Green Grids-One Sun One World One Grid… Continue reading Green Grids Initiative-One Sun One World One Grid Northwest Europe Cooperative Event
Global energy transition too slow, needs a ‘low emissions revolution’: IEA
What is the News? The International Energy Agency(IEA) has published its World Energy Outlook 2021 (WEO) report. What is the purpose of the World Energy Outlook report? The goal of the report is to assess progress made by countries on their clean energy transitions ahead of the 26th Conference of Parties meeting in Glasgow next… Continue reading Global energy transition too slow, needs a ‘low emissions revolution’: IEA
Energy policy preparedness
Synopsis: Energy policy preparedness would help reduce the impact of global market disruptions on the Indian economy. Introduction The ongoing recovery and the medium-term growth potential of the Indian economy could be adversely affected by the unfavourable energy sector outlook. Deficient coal supply is affecting power availability in many states and could hurt industrial production.… Continue reading Energy policy preparedness
Diverting rice for fuel blending, a risky venture?
Synopsis: Government’s plan to promote ethanol, its benefit to the country, various effects of this plan, its impact on crop diversification and food security and way forward. Introduction India is planning to use surplus rice, besides sugarcane, to meet its bio-fuel target of blending 20% ethanol with petrol. Could this pose problems for India’s crop diversification… Continue reading Diverting rice for fuel blending, a risky venture?
Public Finance ought to throw its weight by clean energy
Synopsis: With the world trying to achieve the Paris climate target, there is a need to bring more financial commitments and change in policies to achieve this target. Introduction Solar power is now the cheapest form of electricity in history. Over 90% of power-generation capacity added around the world last year was in renewables But to… Continue reading Public Finance ought to throw its weight by clean energy
Decentralised renewable energy solutions offer great promises for healthcare facilities
Synopsis: In facilitating access to affordable RTPV electricity in public healthcare facilities, India can achieve the twin objective of greening the economy and transforming the healthcare infrastructure so that it can provide affordable health services. Introduction It has been a big challenge for our health infrastructure to deal with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Apprehension… Continue reading Decentralised renewable energy solutions offer great promises for healthcare facilities
Unique technology for direct generation of Hydrogen from agricultural residue developed
What is the news? Indian researchers have developed a unique technology for direct generation of Hydrogen from agricultural residue. A team of researchers from Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), GOI, in collaboration with Sentient labs of KPIT Technologies, have developed this technology at lab-scale to extract… Continue reading Unique technology for direct generation of Hydrogen from agricultural residue developed
Ministry of Power Redesigns Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Mechanism
What is the News? The Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy has given his assent to amendments in the existing Renewable Energy Certificate(REC) mechanism. What is the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism? The Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism is a market-based instrument to promote renewable energy and facilitate the compliance of renewable… Continue reading Ministry of Power Redesigns Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Mechanism
Lockdowns slowed green energy push
What is the news? As per the report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), the lockdowns slowed renewable energy installations in the country. India aims to install 175 gigawatts (GW) of green energy by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. But only 7 GW of such capacity was added in the financial year 2020-21. What… Continue reading Lockdowns slowed green energy push
Revitalising PM-KUSUM
Synopsis: There is a need to unlock the PM KUSUM scheme promises in many ways. Introduction The Union Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy recently reviewed the progress of the PM-KUSUM scheme and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating solar pump adoption. About the PM – KUSUM Scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-Kusum) scheme was… Continue reading Revitalising PM-KUSUM
Govt aims to tap solar energy to power cold chain facilities
What is the News? India has planned to utilize solar power to offer uninterrupted power to cold-chain facilities for storing vaccines. Storage of Vaccines and the need for solar power There are over 29,000 cold chain storage facilities across India that are used to store both Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 vaccines. However, due to unreliable electricity… Continue reading Govt aims to tap solar energy to power cold chain facilities
Statsguru: Seven charts explain India’s climate change challenge
What is the news? CoP26 meeting will held in the next month. As it is reaching near, the global community is calling for India to do more towards green energy. What are some key issues/facts wrt climate change scenario in India? Dependence on thermal sources: India has made remarkable gains in renewable energy. The share… Continue reading Statsguru: Seven charts explain India’s climate change challenge
Govt pulling out all stops for 150 GW RE capacity by 2 Oct
What is the News? The Indian government is planning to achieve renewable energy (RE) capacity of 150 gigawatts (GW) by 2 October 2021. About India’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions India is the third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) under Paris Agreement aims to do the following,… Continue reading Govt pulling out all stops for 150 GW RE capacity by 2 Oct
Managing risks of a green economy
Synopsis: A rapid transition to renewable energy, which is necessary, will disrupt a number of businesses. Introduction Climate change will affect lives and livelihoods across the globe with some countries getting disproportionately impacted. According to a recent report by the Swiss Re Institute, climate change could reduce global gross domestic product by 18% by 2050… Continue reading Managing risks of a green economy
Govt eyes 14GWh battery storage system in Kutch
What is the News? India has planned to set up around 14 gigawatt-hour (GWh) grid-scale battery storage systems at the Khavda renewable energy park in Gujarat. About Khavda Renewable Energy Park Khavda Renewable Energy Park is the world’s largest renewable energy park in Gujarat’s Kutch. The park will be built along the Indo-Pak border at… Continue reading Govt eyes 14GWh battery storage system in Kutch
Clean energy prospects beyond the 100GW milestone
Synopsis: Regular policy interventions by the government, an investment push and fiscal stimuli over the years have helped India emerge as a global front runner in the clean energy ecosystem. Introduction Despite the covid pandemic, steady growth has helped India cross the 100-gigawatt (GW) target of installed capacity. Today, we stand 4th in the world… Continue reading Clean energy prospects beyond the 100GW milestone
How green is my central bank
Synopsis: Green climate and other bonds, and fixed-income assets, cannot guarantee carbon neutrality. Introduction The Bank of Finland has announced that its investment portfolio will be carbon-neutral by 2050. Also, many western central banks are making similar announcements. However, the author of this article states that resorting to green climate financing by central bank (RBI)… Continue reading How green is my central bank
Partnership with US could help India meet renewable energy targets
Synopsis: India can achieve renewable energy targets efficiently by strengthening its partnership with US. The problems and challenges associated are discussed. Introduction India’s front-line position as third highest emitter of greenhouse gases has sharpened focus on its future policy course to mitigate carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement. There is escalating pressure for India to commit itself to… Continue reading Partnership with US could help India meet renewable energy targets
No offshore wind project has commenced in India: Are we on track for 30 GW by 2030?
Synopsis: To harness the capacity of India’s offshore wind potential, we need to identify the areas where we can develop offshore wind project and accelerate the project. Introduction India has planned to provide 24×7 electricity to every home. As per the forecast of International Energy Agency, the country’s energy demand will increase by 6-7% annually… Continue reading No offshore wind project has commenced in India: Are we on track for 30 GW by 2030?
Ministerial meeting of the U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)
What is the News? The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas has co-chaired a virtual Ministerial meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Energy to launch the revamped U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP). About the U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) When was it launched? It was launched at the Leaders Summit on Climate held… Continue reading Ministerial meeting of the U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)
Making green hydrogen viable demands financial, tech support to lower costs
Synopsis: Bringing down the cost of producing Green Hydrogen in India will require a mix of financial and technological interventions. Background Read here: Green Hydrogen – Explained, pointwise What is the major issue with Green Hydrogen adoption? Cost: According to The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the cost of green hydrogen production is $5-6 a… Continue reading Making green hydrogen viable demands financial, tech support to lower costs
New report suggests how land-use for renewable energy in India can be environmentally sustainable
What is the news? Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) has recently released a report titled “Renewable Energy and Land Use in India by Mid-Century“. According to the report, India will use significant stretches of land by 2050 to install renewable energy generation capacities, and the land-use increase may have an impact on… Continue reading New report suggests how land-use for renewable energy in India can be environmentally sustainable
India’s tryst with the promise of a hydrogen-fuel economy
Synopsis: India is pushing towards cleaner forms of energy. Green Hydrogen offers an opportunity. Background Read here: Green Hydrogen – Potential, issues and solutions What is the present global scenario of Hydrogen production? The current global production of hydrogen of about 80 million metric tonnes, and is almost wholly produced through fossil fuels. It uses… Continue reading India’s tryst with the promise of a hydrogen-fuel economy
Hidden costs of renewable power in compulsory purchases of RE for discoms
Synopsis: As India is pushing towards its renewable energy target, it also needs to look at the way the new capacity is being added and the existing power purchase mechanisms. Introduction India’s renewable power programme, with tariff bids for solar power hitting new lows every few months, is coming up at the cost of thermal power. The idea… Continue reading Hidden costs of renewable power in compulsory purchases of RE for discoms
Carbon neutrality powered by AI
Synopsis: Countries like India, which are leading the adoption of climate change measures, will have to encourage energy companies to embrace higher levels of AI usage. Introduction As the world pushes to mitigate the impact of climate change, it will have to rely much on emerging technologies. The foundational shift of energy transition from fossil-based… Continue reading Carbon neutrality powered by AI
Impact of Aerosols and Clouds on Solar Energy generation leading to financial loss
What is the News? A team of Indian and international researchers have conducted a study to understand the economic impact of aerosols, dust, and clouds on solar energy generation from the photovoltaic and rooftop solar installation. What did the study find out? Solar Energy Generation has been widely used in developing countries such as India… Continue reading Impact of Aerosols and Clouds on Solar Energy generation leading to financial loss
Substantial Investment Subsidies for Solar Power
Source: This post is based on the article “Substantial Investment Subsidies for Solar Power” published in Down to Earth on 1st September 2021. Relevance: Solar power’s role in addressing the issues of groundwater exploitation and DISCOM distress. Synopsis: Substantial investment subsidies on the solar pump has the potential to address the irrigation-energy nexus in the… Continue reading Substantial Investment Subsidies for Solar Power
NTPC commissions largest Floating Solar PV Project in the country
Source: PIB What is the News? The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd has commissioned the largest floating solar PV project in Andhra Pradesh. About the Largest Floating Solar PV Project: The largest Floating Solar PV Project of 25MW is located on the reservoir of Simhadri thermal station in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This is the… Continue reading NTPC commissions largest Floating Solar PV Project in the country
Second-generation bioethanol: It is time to launch it headlong
Source: Down to Earth Relevance: Going from waste to wealth for producing clean energy Synopsis: Second generation bioethanol can help us reduce our oil import dependency. A brief look at its advantages. Context On the eve of 75th Independence Day, Indian PM announced a new goal of transforming India into an ‘energy-independent’ nation by 2047.… Continue reading Second-generation bioethanol: It is time to launch it headlong
India’s climate mitigation plans face a threat as Earth warms
Source: Business standard Relevance: Implications of climate change on the renewable energy sector in India. Synopsis: Threats posed by climate to India’s renewable energy sector and possible solutions. Context India recently renewed its target for renewable energy installation to 450 GW by 2040 from earlier 175 GW by 2022. But this plan is threatened by… Continue reading India’s climate mitigation plans face a threat as Earth warms
PM pledges to make India energy independent by 2047, cites fuel bill
Source: Business Standard Introduction: The Prime Minister of India has announced new goals during his Independence Day Speech. What are the Goals announced by the Prime Minister? Energy Independent India by 2047: The Prime Minister has announced a target of making India an ‘Energy Independent’ nation by the time the country reaches 100 years of… Continue reading PM pledges to make India energy independent by 2047, cites fuel bill
At 100GW, India now 4th in solar, wind energy capacity
Source: Times of India What is the news? India’s renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydroelectric projects, hit 100 GW (gigawatts) on 12th Aug 21, making it the world’s fourth largest in terms of total installed green energy capacity. The 100 GW renewable capacity accounts for 26% of India’s total installed generation capacity of 383 GW.… Continue reading At 100GW, India now 4th in solar, wind energy capacity
Expiry of safeguard duty: Boon for solar developers, bane for manufacturers
Source: Business Standard Synopsis: The decision of the center to impose a basic customs duty from April 2022 and the expiration of the existing safeguard guard duty will result in higher solar imports. This move will benefit solar plant developers, but create more problems for domestic manufactures. Background: Indian solar cell and module makers may… Continue reading Expiry of safeguard duty: Boon for solar developers, bane for manufacturers
India to call bids for battery storage system in Ladakh
Source: Livemint What is the News? India will be calling for bids for the largest global tender for a 13 gigawatt-hours (GWh) grid-scale battery storage system in Ladakh Region. What are Battery Storage Systems? Battery storage systems are devices that enable energy from renewables like solar and wind to be stored and then released when… Continue reading India to call bids for battery storage system in Ladakh
New Hydrogen-Producing Method Shows Energy-Efficient Route To Manufacture Fuel
Source: PIB What is the News? Researchers at IIT-Bombay have discovered a new way of producing hydrogen by using magnetized catalysts during electrolysis. This process lowers energy consumption in the process. Hydrogen as a fuel: Hydrogen as a fuel has a critical role to play in driving the paradigm shift towards a green and sustainable… Continue reading New Hydrogen-Producing Method Shows Energy-Efficient Route To Manufacture Fuel
Just Energy Transition
Source: Indian Express Relevance: Achieving a clean energy transition for India, which is just and inclusive. Synopsis: A people-centric approach will help India build a clean and inclusive energy future and also provide a model for other countries and communities worldwide. Current scenario in India It is among the world’s top five countries in terms… Continue reading Just Energy Transition
India’s renewable energy plan of 175 GW by FY22-end faces multiple risks
Source: The Business Standard Relevance: There are certain problems associated with the renewable energy sector which is hurting India’s renewable energy targets. Synopsis: India is now chasing its target of 450 GW of renewable power by 2030. However, several issues, including delays in the signing of power sales agreement (PSAs) stand in the way of realising… Continue reading India’s renewable energy plan of 175 GW by FY22-end faces multiple risks
India must show global leadership on climate crisis by adopting a holistic approach to energy
Source: The Indian Express Relevance: Renewable energy and its issues are direct topics on Energy. Synopsis: Meeting the Energy demands of people and government policy on them have to address some critical issues to achieve energy security. Global countries on Climate Change: Political leaders of Western nations express alarm and make promises about the climate crisis,… Continue reading India must show global leadership on climate crisis by adopting a holistic approach to energy
RE-INVEST 2019
News:The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has postponed the 3rd Global Renewable Energy Investors(RE-INVEST) meet. Facts: Re-Invest: It is a global platform to explore strategies for the development and deployment of renewables. It showcases India’s clean energy market and the Government’s efforts to scale up capacity to meet the national energy demand in… Continue reading RE-INVEST 2019
R K Singh approves proposal to declare ocean energy as Renewable Energy
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE) has approved a proposal to declare ocean energy as renewable energy. This means that energy produced using various forms of ocean energy such as tidal, wave and ocean thermal energy conversion will now be considered as Renewable Energy. This decision will help the sector to grow as it will… Continue reading R K Singh approves proposal to declare ocean energy as Renewable Energy
India beats U.S. at WTO in renewable energy case
India has won a major trade dispute against the United States at the World Trade Organization(WTO). The WTO dispute resolution panel has ruled that US domestic content requirements and subsidies provided by eight of its states in the renewable energy sector are violative of global trade norms. The panel concluded in its ruling that the… Continue reading India beats U.S. at WTO in renewable energy case
Govt to ask RBI to remove priority lending limit for renewable energy sector
The Ministry of new and renewable energy(MNRE) has decided to ask the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) for removal of the priority sector lending limit for the renewable energy(RE) sector. This will encourage the PSBs(public sector banks) to lend more for renewable energy projects and help RE developers access easy finance. India is running the world’s… Continue reading Govt to ask RBI to remove priority lending limit for renewable energy sector
