INDIA'S RENEWABLE energy push has not just helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions from thermal power generation, but also fuelled economic development and improved electricity access and security. Globally, India now ranks fourth in renewable energy capacity, with 145 GW of installed capacity (excluding large hydropower), as per data with the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Government programmes in bioenergy, wind and solar power have driven these advancements. To sustain this growth, the country needs a thorough assessment of the barriers to clean energy transition, focusing on implementation challenges in each sector. It also needs structured interventions that create demand-driven markets for wind, solar and bioenergy, and facilitate a domestic industry, covering the entire value chain.
COMPRESSED BIOGAS: TAP THE POTENTIAL
Compressed biogas (CBG), a non-fossil fuel produced from feedstock such as agricultural residue and solid waste, is a cleaner alternative to imported compressed natural gas or CNG (CBG and CNG have similar properties and calorific values). India aims to establish 5,000 CBG projects across the country under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme. But the sector faces some key challenges.
Many CBG plants are operating below their designed capacity. Insufficient feedstock procurement impedes operations. Limited CNG infrastructure curbs potential to extend gas pipelines to CBG plants, hampering gas sales. Expanding gas pipeline around the plants can ensure complete gas offtake. In rural areas, incentivising the conversion of tractors and two-wheelers to use CBG can create a demand for the fuel.
Denne historien er fra June 01, 2024-utgaven av Down To Earth.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 01, 2024-utgaven av Down To Earth.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Trade On Emissions
EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a tariff on imports, is designed to protect European industries in the guise of climate action.
'The project will facilitate physical and cultural decimation of indigenous people'
The Great Nicobar Project has all the hallmarks of a disaster-seismic, ecological, human. Why did it get the go-ahead?
TASTE IT RED
Popularity of Karnataka's red jackfruit shows how biodiversity can be conserved by ensuring that communities benefit from it
MANY MYTHS OF CHIPKO
Misconceptions about the Chipko movement have overshadowed its true objectives.
The politics and economics of mpox
Africa's mpox epidemic stems from delayed responses, neglect of its health risks and the stark vaccine apartheid
Emerging risks
Even as the world gets set to eliminate substances threatening the ozone layer, climate change and space advancement pose new challenges.
JOINING THE CARBON CLUB
India's carbon market will soon be a reality, but will it fulfil its aim of reducing emissions? A report by PARTH KUMAR and MANAS AGRAWAL
Turn a new leaf
Scientists join hands to predict climate future of India's tropical forests
Festering troubles
The Democratic Republic of Congo struggles to contain mpox amid vaccine delays, conflict and fragile healthcare.
India sees unusual monsoon patterns
THE 2024 southwest monsoon has, between June 1 and September 1, led to excess rainfall in western and southern states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, while others like Nagaland, Manipur and Punjab recorded a deficit.