By Ramakant Chaudhary
As the people around the world are grappling with the vagaries of nature in the face of climate change and environmental degradation, the need for a transition to green energy sources has become imperative. In India, the ruling establishment at the Centre has put spotlight on the significance of green energy and resultantly the pursuit of a sustainable future is gaining momentum. India’s geographical location offers huge potential for harnessing solar power, making it one of the world’s largest solar energy markets. The country is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, hydro and biomass.
Need of transition to renewable energy, says Minister RK Singh
Addressing the first International Conference on Green Hydrogen 2023, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh said that there is now a global consensus that necessitates a transition to renewable energy. “India is one of the lowest carbon emitters in the world, our per capita emissions are about one third of global average. This stems out of our culture which emphasizes simplicity, this culture is reflected in Mission LiFE as espoused by the Prime Minister,” he added.
Efforts for emissions reduction
On its Nationally Determined Contributions target, India has achieved 40 percent of non-fossil electricity target in 2021, 9 years before the deadline of 2030, the minister said, and added: “India has world-leading programmes in emissions reduction, such as LEDs, which has resulted in reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 103 million tons per annum. Our Perform Achieve Trade Scheme has reduced in emissions reductions of around 106 million tons per annum.” He informed that 42 percent of power generation capacity of India today is based on non-fossil-fuels and that the country will overachieve the target of 50 percent capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.
Govt push for energy efficiency
The ruling dispensation at the Centre under the premiership of Narendra Modi has taken significant steps to promote adoption of green energy. The introduction of the National Solar Mission and the National Wind Energy Mission has set ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity addition. Various financial incentives, tax benefits, and subsidies are being provided to attract investments in renewable energy projects. Additionally, the government’s push for energy efficiency and the adoption of electric vehicles complement the green energy drive, creating a holistic approach to a sustainable future.
Job opportunities
Green energy offers numerous advantages over traditional fossil fuels. It is environmentally friendly, producing minimal carbon emissions and reducing air pollution. This contributes to improving the overall air quality and public health. Renewable energy sources are infinite, ensuring long-term energy security and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Green energy projects can create job opportunities as well, driving economic growth and social development. Green energy technologies are becoming more cost-effective, with declining prices of solar panels and wind turbines, making them increasingly affordable and economically viable.
Ramakant Chaudhary works with PR Professionals as DGM-Content Development, and has worked in various editorial roles with Financial Express, Mint (Hindustan Times Group), The Times Of India, Jagran Post (Dainik Jagran Group), The Pioneer, and The Political and Business Daily. He writes on politics, government policy, economy, infrastructure, real estate, social issues, lifestyle, and health