Clean energy for a safer world

KARNATAKA, GUJARAT, TAMIL NADU, Rajasthan and Telangana have emerged as the front runners in the race to build India’s renewable energy capacity of 175 GW by 2022. So far the country has achieved a cumulative capacity of about 91.1 GW (excluding large hydro power capacity) as of December 31, 2020. Solar energy dominates the clean energy landscape in the country with over 75% share; the total potential for solar is estimated at 750 GW given the abundant sunshine in most parts of the country for most of the year. Wind makes up most of the balance with a share of about 19%.

Rapid and transformative shift to renewable energy is critical in order to prevent the disastrous outcomes of climate change (the recent Uttarakhand disaster is an example of the extreme pain and suffering this can cause), achievements of the Paris Agreement, and the overarching targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, developing world countries such as India could be freed from their extreme dependence on imported fossil fuels and its impact on the nation’s economy. Developing countries depend in a big way on what may be called ‘dirty fuel’ – coal for power generation, oil for transportation and industry, and gas (not so dirty) for cooking. All these depend on extracting limited natural resources from the planet and therefore alternatives are required urgently.

Rapid and transformative shift to renewable energy is critical in order to prevent the disastrous outcomes of climate change (the recent Uttarakhand disaster is an example of the extreme pain and suffering this can cause), achievements of the Paris Agreement, and the overarching targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, developing world countries such as India could be freed from their extreme dependence on imported fossil fuels and its impact on the nation’s economy. Developing countries depend in a big way on what may be called ‘dirty fuel’ – coal for power generation, oil for transportation and industry, and gas (not so dirty) for cooking. All these depend on extracting limited natural resources from the planet and therefore alternatives are required urgently.

Indian government has incentivised the sector by allowing 100% FDI through automatic route, and waiving some of the transmission charge, among others. We need to do all that is necessary to enable the sector access the best technology and finance at attractive terms. Local governments can play key roles in promoting the use of solar energy by incentivising/subsidizing rooftop installations; many already do. In addition, they can encourage the setting up of mini-grids or micro-grids which can satisfy power needs of small groups of consumers. This can be particularly beneficial in rural areas to provide dependable, affordable energy. Local governments must drive the move towards renewable energy by themselves using such sources in both urban and rural settings.

In addition to solar and wind, local governments can promote other sources such as waste-to-energy projects possibly in PPP mode; this could also address the growing burden of urban waste management. In summary, the subject of renewable energy offers immense scope for new ideas and innovation to harvest nature’s bounty to meet our growing energy needs in a clean and sustainable manner. We are on the cusp of a rare opportunity in history. Let’s grab it with both hands. In this issue of Urban Update we bring you several thoughts, ideas, and reports on this subject of great relevance to our planet.