Current Status of Renewal Energy in India and Future Potential of Renewal Energy

2/27/2024 8:54:00 AM   Future Group of Institutions Bareilly   

India has been actively promoting renewable energy. Initiatives like the National Solar Mission aim to increase solar capacity, and wind power projects contribute significantly. Additionally, hydropower and biomass also play a role. Government policies and investments seek to boost renewable energy adoption to address energy needs sustainably. Future Institute of Engineering & Technology is the best engineering college for Diploma in Electrical Engineering in the Bareilly Region. “Renewable energy," it encompasses energy derived from natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. These sources are considered environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels.

Renewable energy finds applications across various sectors, including:

1. Electricity Generation: Wind, solar, hydropower, and geothermal sources are used to generate electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
2. Transportation: Electric vehicles powered by renewable energy sources help reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
3. Heating and Cooling: Solar thermal energy can be utilized for water and space heating, and geothermal energy for heating and cooling buildings.
4. Agriculture: Renewable energy powers irrigation systems, machinery, and processing facilities in agriculture.
5. Water Desalination: Renewable energy can support sustainable desalination processes, addressing water scarcity issues.
6. Rural Electrification: Off-grid and micro-grid systems, often powered by renewable sources, provide electricity in remote areas.
7. Industrial Processes: Certain industries use renewable energy for heating, steam production, and other manufacturing processes.
8. Battery Storage: Renewable energy facilitates the development of energy storage solutions, crucial for balancing intermittent energy sources.
9. Urban Planning: Cities integrate renewable energy in building design, street lighting, and overall urban infrastructure to promote sustainability.

These applications showcase the versatility and potential of renewable energy in creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Current Status of renewal energy in India

1. Solar Energy: India has become one of the world's largest solar energy markets. The country has made substantial investments in solar power projects, including large-scale solar parks and rooftop installations.
2. Wind Energy: Wind power contributes significantly to India's renewable energy capacity. Several wind farms are operational, especially in states with favorable wind conditions.
3. Hydropower: Hydropower has been a traditional source, and India continues to harness its hydropower potential with various projects.
4. Biomass and Bioenergy: Biomass and bioenergy projects, including biogas plants, play a role in India's renewable energy mix.
5. Government Initiatives: The Indian government launched initiatives like the National Solar Mission and aims to achieve a target of 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, including 100 GW of solar power.

The global renewable energy market is expected to continue its upward growth over the next year. According to group, the market will reach over two trillion U.S. dollars by 2030. Environmental concerns regarding fossil fuels, rapid urbanization, and economic growth in emerging regions are all major factors that are contributing to the projected market growth. 

Fossil fuel remains the greatest source of electricity generation worldwide. In 2022, coal accounted for roughly 35.8 percent of the global power mix, while natural gas followed with a 22 percent share. China, India, and United States accounted for the largest share of coal used for electricity generation in 2021.

Future potentials of renewable energy in India

• Increased Solar Capacity: India is likely to further expand its solar capacity, taking advantage of its abundant sunlight. Advances in solar technology and decreasing costs make this a promising avenue.
• Wind Energy Expansion: Wind energy projects, both onshore and potentially offshore, could see increased investments.
• Energy Storage: Addressing the intermittency of renewable sources, there's potential for growth in energy storage technologies, such as battery storage, to enhance grid stability.
• Policy Support: Continued government support and favorable policies are crucial for the sustained growth of renewable energy in India.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): The growth of EVs powered by renewable energy sources is a prospective area for reducing emissions in the transportation sector.
• International Collaboration: Collaborations and partnerships with other countries for technology transfer and expertise can further boost India's renewable energy sector. India's commitment to sustainable development and addressing climate change suggests a positive outlook for the future of renewable energy in the country. To get the most up-to-date information, please refer to recent reports or official announcements.

Written by:

Er. Pradeep Pandey
Assistant Professor 
Polytechnic Department (Electric Engineering)
Future Institute of Engineering & Technology, Bareilly