India has long depended on coal, oil, and natural gas for energy, causing environmental issues like air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and raising energy security concerns due to finite fossil fuels. The shift towards renewable energy has recently gained momentum, driven by technology, policy support, and climate commitments.
Renewable energy is now a key part of India's sustainable development, moving towards cleaner power generation. As of May 31, 2024, the country's cumulative installed renewable capacity reached 193,579 MW, about 43.52% of the total 444,756 MW installed capacity.
Coal remains the top energy source in India, accounting for 55% of total energy consumption in 2024, but this reliance causes significant environmental challenges like high greenhouse gas emissions and severe air pollution. The growing energy demands and impacts of conventional energy highlight the urgent need to transition to renewable energy for sustainable growth and energy security.
Renewable energy sources in India
The country has reached an impressive 193,579 MW of renewable energy which is approx. 43.52% of total installed capacity. The following points are important to understand with reference to renewable energy sources in India.
Renewable Energy include RES plus Hydro Power
RES include SHP, BP, U&I, Solar and Wind Energy
Solar Power includes Ground Mounted Solar, Rooftop Solar, Hybrid Solar Comp. and Off-grid Solar/ KUSUM
Biomass Power includes BM Power/Cogeneration & Waste to Energy
(SHP-Small Hydro Project (< 25 MW), BP-Biomass Power, U&I=Urban & Industrial Waste Power, RES=Renewable Energy Sources) The breakup of contribution of all sources are depicted in figure 3 below.
Solar energy
This story is from the August 2024 edition of EPR Magazine (Electrical & Power Review).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2024 edition of EPR Magazine (Electrical & Power Review).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Shifting from resistance to adoption of RE
It is important to note that DISCOMS struggled financially even before the widespread adoption of solar energy. These challenges were familiar and were exacerbated by long-standing inefficiencies and financial mismanagement.
Changing BESS landscape in India
Self-sufficiency in battery storage is crucial for energy security, cost reduction, and sustainability. Key policies like incentivising domestic lithium mining, supporting R&D in alternative batteries, and promoting manufacturing hubs via PLI is boosting the sector.
Dhash PV pioneering future of solar technology in India
The company offers a comprehensive solution encompassing all DC components, from the PV module to the inverter.
Quality control is the keystone of the solar energy revolution in India
As India strives for 500 GW of solar capacity, rigorous quality assurance is essential to ensure system reliability, attract investment, enhance efficiency, and secure a sustainable energy future.
Domestic RE capacity hits new milestone
The total renewable energy installed capacity surged by an impressive 24.2 GW 13.5%) in just one year, reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024, up from 178.98 GW in October 2023.
Modernisation of power grid infra essential for seamless solar energy integration
Rayzon Solar leads the renewable energy revolution, pioneering high-efficiency solutions with cuttingedge N-Type TOPCon and 210R solar panels for sustainable energy advancements.
CMCE technology neutralises atmospheric charge effects
Lightning strikes on power transmission lines, substations, and power generation facilities can cause extensive equipment damage, leading to costly repairs and prolonged downtime.
Use of integrated transformer test facilities
Static Frequency Converter (SFC) is designed to test all types of power and distribution transformers as it provides variable output voltage and variable output frequency.
Lamco Transformers unveils cutting-edge innovations for RE integration
Lamco Transformers is committed to playing a vital role in the country's journey toward a sustainable energy future by combining innovative designs, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic collaborations.
Morigaon set to become country's semiconductor premier manufacturing site
Morigaon in Assam, spearheaded by Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT) aligns with the nation's broader goal of establishing a self-sufficient semiconductor ecosystem.
