Q.16. What steps are being taken to meet the continuously increasing demand of energy resources in India? Discuss with special reference to renewable and sustainable energy resources.

India is taking significant steps to meet the continuously increasing demand for energy resources, with a special focus on renewable and sustainable energy resources. Here’s an overview of the initiatives:

1. Expansion of Renewable Capacity: The government has added substantial renewable energy capacity to the grid. As of December 31, 2022, India added 175 GW of power generation capacity, including renewable sources.

2. Investment in Infrastructure: Alongside power generation, there has been a focus on expanding transmission lines and transformation capacity to support the increased load from renewable sources.

3. Policy Support: Continued policy support, private sector involvement, and technological innovation are pivotal in balancing India’s burgeoning energy demand with sustainability and environmental responsibility.

4. Solar and Wind Energy: India has made a significant investment in solar and wind energy, with the installed solar energy capacity increasing by 30 times in the last nine years, standing at 75.57 GW as of February 2024. The country also ranks 4th globally in wind power capacity.

5. International Commitments: At COP26, India set an enhanced target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030, which is part of the world’s largest expansion plan in renewable energy.

6. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: The PLI scheme for high-efficiency solar PV modules aims to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports, with a significant budget allocated to build 65 GW of annual manufacturing capacity.

7. National Green Hydrogen Mission: With an outlay of INR 19,744 Cr, the mission targets 5 MMT annual green hydrogen/ammonia production by 2030, promoting cleaner energy sources.

8. FDI Policies: Up to 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route for renewable energy generation and distribution projects, subject to provisions of The Electricity Act 2003.

These steps reflect India’s commitment to a sustainable energy future and its proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by the increasing energy demand.