We saw India reach a total of 38% electricity generation from renewable sources by the end of 2020 with 136 out of 373 GW powered by renewable sources. That is an inspiration to move forward with our 2027 plan to reach 275 GW from renewable sources, with 72 GW devoted to hydroelectricity, 15 GW from nuclear and 100 GW from other zero-emission sources. We have been making great strides in terms of energy conservation and renewable energy use to meet our Paris Climate Agreement goals and renewable energy plays an important role in this mission in tackling climate change.
Using greener alternatives to reach a zero-emission state is just one aspect of our aims as we hope to reach a global average temperature of pre-industrial levels. Such ambitious plans are both necessary and to be lauded for a sustainable and greener Indian future paving the way for a total zero-emission scenario. However, reaching that point may require more from us. This is where we can integrate lessons learnt from other parts of the world to improve our goals to become a greener-energy reliant India.
Meeting Energy Demands Through Wind & Solar
Even with the presence of other renewables currently in use by India, Wind & Solar energy is one of the most used renewable energy in the sub-continent, and we can make them the primary focus by committing ourselves to a mix of different renewables. For example, South Australia, a state in the country, has been able to deliver 60% of its electricity generation through green energy. In a spectacular display, it even successfully managed to harness 100% power through solar even if that was for an hour.
This proves that it is quite manageable, and the only scenario we need to focus on is upscaling it, especially for a state that was wholly reliant on conventional fuel until 2006.
Delivering Sub-zero Electricity Pricing
Adopting renewable energy can help promote cost-savings for many, which will result in a rapid rise in the subscribers of renewable energy. Due to the change in supply and demand, the costs will further fall to sub-zero wholesale electricity prices. As a country that still primarily depends on coal as a power generating source, this rise in renewable energy demand will positively undercut conventional power generating businesses.
Going with the trend will even help encourage building more resources that harness green energy. This will in turn not only empower creating green energy on a larger scale but will also take India to a new era of greater renewable energy dependence.
Larger Reliance On Batteries For System Stability
Renewable energy changes the game by relying more on batteries for storage as we do not have the luxury of on-demand power generation with this. This however means that a greater reliance on storage batteries are needed to empower renewables on a larger scale. We are gradually increasing our limits and capabilities as far as storage is concerned, but we should focus further on storage as we increase our power generation capacity and capabilities. Good battery storage is a necessity in keeping renewable energy sustainable.
Conclusion
India’s commitment towards renewable energy usage goes beyond the climate agreement as we tackle other problems related to global warming that can undercut those problems and help us in the long run. A greater reliance on greener energy will not only transform our environment but will also encourage society to take steps towards other situations that can only result in India gaining from it.