Solar Energy's Revolutionary Impact on India

🔍Insights

Nitin Konde, Apoorva Bajj

Jan 26, 2024 — 6 min read

Solar Energy's Revolutionary Impact on India

Rising energy demands, environmental concerns, and the desire to spearhead the battle against climate change have propelled India to the forefront of the worldwide movement towards sustainable energy solutions in recent years. A complete restructuring of the country's energy industry is required due to the astronomical growth in energy consumption caused by the country's rapidly expanding economy and population.

To provide its citizens with sustainable, economical, and dependable electricity, India's power sector has experienced a tremendous upheaval. Improving power-producing capacity, increasing access to electricity, boosting renewable energy, and implementing creative regulations have all seen tremendous progress in the past nine years. Inspiring accomplishments and game-changing ideas have taken India's electricity sector to the next level.

According to a report published by PIB, there has been widespread acclaim for India's efforts to reduce its environmental impact. Over the last nine years, India has increased its generation capacity by more than 175 GW, turning it into a power surplus nation. This achievement would not have been possible without the nation's dedication to renewable energy. The exponential increase in India's solar and wind power capacity has solidified the country's status as a frontrunner in the renewable energy sector. With 43% of its total installed power capacity derived from non-fossil sources, India now ranks fourth globally for Renewable Energy Installed Capacity.

The government of India has been actively promoting renewable energy for daily use owing to its plan to cut down exports of fossil fuel. In a recently concluded COP 28 Summit in Dubai, in the fight against climate change, India is at the forefront of international efforts. In addition to achieving its goals as outlined in the Paris Agreement, it has also served as an inspiration to many. Despite accounting for just a small fraction of global emissions, this nation—which is home to 17% of the world's population—is making great strides towards meeting its revised NDCs. As it wrapped up its G20 Presidency, India committed to an ambitious goal and adopted a development path that was better for the environment and the planet. It also played an important role in moving the G20 statement on climate change forward. Notably, by placing equal emphasis on energy security and emission-reduction goals, the nation has demonstrated to the rest of the globe how to strike a balance between economic growth and sustainability.

Leading Countries in Installed Renewable Energy Capacity Worldwide in 2022

Rolling Down of Schemes to Promote Solar Energy Consumption
Exciting Goals for Renewable Energy
Cutting Carbon Emissions in Transportation and Industry

Rolling Down of Schemes to Promote Solar Energy Consumption

One factor propelling India's transition has been its dedication to power generation and electrifying all of its citizens. With the completion of its goal of providing electricity to every home in the nation, the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) program has become an imposing emblem of triumph. From September 25, 2017, to now, 2.86 crore households in urban and rural areas have been connected to the power grid through this ambitious program. This increase in access is the quickest in power history, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Both urban and rural areas now have much more power available; metropolitan areas now have nearly 24 hours of power available, while rural areas have seen an increase from 12 hours per day in 2014 to 22.5 hours per day.

In 2015, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) was started to enhance the dependability and quality of electricity supply in rural areas. On April 28, 2018, the DDUGJY program successfully electrified 18,374 villages that had not been previously electrified. This was accomplished by bolstering the distribution network and making sure that energy reached every part of rural India.

Efforts by the government to promote energy efficiency have also produced impressive outcomes. The price of purchased LED bulbs dropped about 90% from Rs. 310 in 2014 to Rs. 39.90 in 2019 under the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) program. The program has delivered more than 36.86 crore LED lights thus far. This program bolstered the "Make in India" drive by lowering electricity prices for consumers and encouraging local production of LED lights. Consequently, energy-efficient lighting solutions have become widely used in India, leading to lower energy usage and a cleaner atmosphere.

The government has launched programs such as the Restructured Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to improve the effectiveness of power distribution. From FY 2020–21 to FY 2021–22, distribution losses of DISCOMs dropped from 21.5% to 16.5% thanks to the RDSS. Energy efficiency, better metering and billing systems, and a decrease in technical and commercial losses are the primary goals of these projects. Consumers can now actively control their energy consumption thanks to smart grid integration, upgraded metering infrastructure, and demand response systems, which have improved grid stability.

It is an inspiring tale of perseverance and growth that the power sector in India has undergone since 2014. India has been a global leader in many energy-related fronts, including universal electrification, increased distribution efficiency, and the quick growth of renewable energy sources. A future driven by sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy has been thrust upon the nation of India thanks to the dedication of its government and the active involvement of its stakeholders. To further develop India's power sector and ensure a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow for all its residents, persistent investments, innovation, and collaboration will be crucial as the journey continues.

Exciting Goals for Renewable Energy

Rethinking its renewable energy goals will be a focal point of India's energy reforms in 2023. India has set a new goal to achieve 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, building upon its earlier triumphs. With this lofty target, India solidifies its place as a world leader in the adoption of clean energy by showcasing its dedication to renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro.

Innovative projects like floating solar farms on bodies of water and the adoption of modern technologies for optimal efficiency are driving India's solar business to new heights. Wind farms, both onshore and offshore, are contributing to the expansion of India's wind energy sector by utilizing the country's extensive coastline.

Energy storage technologies are being prioritized by India as a means to address the issues of intermittent renewable energy sources and improve the stability and dependability of the system. The government plans to invest in massive battery storage facilities in 2024 to help with energy efficiency and reduce waste. To incorporate renewable energy sources into the system without any hitches, these storage innovations are crucial.

Cutting Carbon Emissions in Transportation and Industry

Indian energy reforms aim to reduce emissions from transport and industry as a whole, not just the power sector. The government plans to implement strict emission regulations and EV incentives in the future. The shift to cleaner transportation is being expedited by the Indian government's incentives for manufacturing EVs and creating charging infrastructure, which coincides with the vehicle industry's transition towards EVs.

Sustainable manufacturing techniques and energy efficiency measures are gaining traction in the business world. In addition to lowering carbon emissions, these changes boost operational efficiency and make the company more competitive.

India is committed to building a sustainable and prosperous future, and its energy reforms in 2023 are a reflection of that. India is moving forward with its energy transformation in a big way because of its ambitious renewable energy targets, adoption of energy storage, promotion of green hydrogen, and encouragement of cleaner transportation and industry.

An example for other countries to follow in their pursuit of a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future, India's determination to drive development through revolutionary energy reforms is being observed by the entire globe.