In a world grappling with climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels, the significance of renewable energy sources has never been more pronounced. On this Akshay Urja Day, India stands at the forefront of promoting sustainable energy solutions. Akshay Urja Day, celebrated on August 20th each year, is a testament to India's commitment to harnessing the power of inexhaustible energy sources for a brighter and cleaner future. Additionally, the day marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
India's Renewable Energy Landscape
India's journey towards embracing renewable energy sources has been nothing short of remarkable. The country has set ambitious targets to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several programs and initiatives have been launched to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Solar Energy Initiatives
National Solar Mission:
Launched in 2010 as one of the eight core national missions under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
Aims to promote the deployment of solar energy technologies for both grid-connected and off-grid applications.
Sets specific targets for solar capacity installation, with an initial goal of 20 GW by 2022, later revised to 100 GW by 2022 (and further revised to 450 GW by 2030).
Comprises three phases: Phase I focuses on utility-scale solar projects, Phase II emphasizes increasing domestic manufacturing and deployment, and Phase III aims at achieving grid parity.
Saubhagya Scheme:
Launched in 2017 to provide electricity access to all households, with a special focus on rural and remote areas.
Aims to electrify more than 40 million households by providing free electricity connections.
The scheme encourages the use of solar power for off-grid households, helping them access clean and reliable energy.
Solar home systems, solar lanterns, and solar-powered mini-grids are used to provide electricity in areas where grid connectivity is challenging.
Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) Program:
Launched in 2019 to promote the use of solar energy in the agriculture sector.
Aims to enhance farmer income, improve irrigation efficiency, and provide energy for rural areas.
The program includes three components: installation of grid-connected solar power plants on barren or cultivable lands, installation of standalone solar pumps for irrigation, and solarization of existing agricultural pumps.
KUSUM encourages sustainable agriculture practices by integrating solar energy into farm operations.
International Solar Alliance (ISA):
Launched by India and France at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
Aims to mobilize resources and promote solar energy access among member countries located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
Focuses on collaborative efforts, sharing best practices, and addressing common challenges to accelerate solar adoption.
Aims to promote the deployment of 1,000 GW of solar energy by 2030 and facilitate the development of solar projects and technologies.
Wind Power Development
India's wind energy sector has witnessed significant growth due to favorable policies and incentives.
State-level policies and feed-in tariffs encourage private investment in wind power projects.
Competitive auctions for wind power projects have led to reduced tariffs and increased capacity installation.
States with high wind potential, such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, have attracted significant wind energy investments.
Wind Energy Associations:
Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA): This association represents the interests of wind turbine manufacturers, both domestic and international, operating in India. IWTMA collaborates with stakeholders to promote policy advocacy, research, and information exchange in the wind energy sector.
Wind Independent Power Producers Association (WIPPA): WIPPA represents independent power producers engaged in wind energy generation. It works to address challenges, create a conducive policy environment, and facilitate industry growth through collaboration with government bodies and other stakeholders.
Hydropower and Water Resources
Hydropower Projects:
India has harnessed its rivers and water resources for energy production for decades.
Major hydropower projects like the Tehri Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and Bhakra Nangal Dam contribute to the national grid.
These projects serve dual purposes, generating clean energy and facilitating irrigation, flood control, and water supply.
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC):
NHPC Limited: Founded in 1975, NHPC is a central public sector enterprise that specializes in hydropower development.
Significant Projects: NHPC is responsible for the development of numerous hydropower projects across India. Some notable projects include the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh and the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Project in Assam.
Contribution to Renewable Energy: NHPC's initiatives have contributed significantly to India's renewable energy capacity and hydropower generation, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy security.
Green Energy Transmission
Green Energy Corridors:
Launched to address challenges in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.
Involves the development of high-capacity transmission lines to carry power from renewable energy-rich states to consumption centers.
Improved transmission infrastructure ensures minimal transmission losses and efficient power delivery.
Energy Efficiency Programs
Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme:
Part of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) under the NAPCC.
Targets energy-intensive industries, setting energy consumption norms and efficiency targets.
Industries exceeding these targets earn energy-saving certificates, which can be traded.
Encourages industries to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce energy consumption.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Akshay Urja Day, it's evident that India's efforts in promoting renewable energy are not just symbolic but deeply rooted in comprehensive policies and initiatives. These programs, spanning solar, wind, bioenergy, and hydropower, showcase India's commitment to creating a sustainable energy future. By embracing renewable energy, India is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also inspiring the world to transition towards a cleaner and greener energy landscape. As citizens, let's support these initiatives and contribute to the collective effort of securing a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow.
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: One Sun, One World, One Grid, International Solar Alliance (ISA), Namami Gange, NAPCC, PAT Scheme - Perform, Achieve, and Trade.
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