MAINS 14.11.

2024
CMAINS 07.02.2024
 INDEX
S.No News Source Relevant Topics in GS
Mains Syllabus

The green transition The Indian GS III Indian Economy and issues relating
India needs Express to planning, mobilization, of resources,
1 growth, development, and employment.
GS III Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources,
growth, development, and employment.
The Green transition India needs
Context:
As COP29 negotiations play out in the shadow of Donald Trump’s win in the US and
conflicts in West Asia, one thing is clear: India will have to decarbonise equitably without
slowing down its economy while also attracting climate finance to drive investments.

Significance of Green Energy Transition in India

 Combating Climate Change & Air Pollution: India is the third greatest emitter of
greenhouse gases, behind China and the United States.
 Energy Security & Import Dependence: India is expected to contribute 25% of
global energy demand growth over the next two decades, leaving the country
vulnerable to price volatility and geopolitical conflicts.
 Attracting Investments and Global Leadership: By shifting to green energy, India
may establish itself as a clean energy leader, attracting investment and promoting
technical developments.
 Unlock Opportunities in New Technologies: The green energy revolution enables
India to develop and deploy cutting-edge renewable energy technology such as energy
storage systems and smart grids. This encourages innovation and propels India to the
forefront of the global renewable energy revolution.

International Initiatives:
 International Solar Alliance (2015): It is collaborative platform for increased
deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access.
 Clean Energy Transitions Programme: The International Energy Agency’s
flagship programme for taking action to achieve a clean energy transformation
worldwide.
 Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals: It brings together a diverse group
of governments, organisations and UN bodies to develop a set of common and
voluntary principles for energy transition. India is its member.
 Just Energy Transition Partnerships: Launched by the International Energy
Agency & WEF in 2022 to support developing countries in their transition towards
clean energy.
 Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): It was launched by the EU in
2023.
 Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge: Signed by 133 countries at
COP 28 (UAE), calls for tripling the rate of renewables capacity by 2030.
Challenges in Green Energy Transition:
1. State-Level Variations: States like Telangana and Tamil Nadu are advancing quickly
due to favorable policies and industries, while Rajasthan struggles financially,
slowing its progress.
2. Grid Integration Challenges: The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources
like solar and wind poses significant challenges in maintaining grid stability and
ensuring a reliable and consistent power supply.
3. Energy Storage: Grid-scale energy storage is essential but remains expensive and
technologically challenging.
4. Green Finance: There is a lack of long-term investment. Most investors seek profits
within 6-7 years, but a 25-year horizon is needed.
5. Trade Policy Dilemmas: Cheap Chinese solar panels could accelerate the transition
but pose national security risks due to over-dependence.
6. High Dependence of Fossil Fuels: with coal accounting for over 55% of the
country’s electrical output complicating the shift to renewable energy.
7. Isolated Policy and Governance: The existing two-pronged strategy, in which
different ministries manage fossil fuels and renewables, lacks cooperation. This
fragmented structure impedes cohesive planning, resource allocation, and
accomplishing long-term objectives.
8. Vulnerability in Green Technology: India’s reliance on imported green technology,
notably China’s supremacy in solar panels, wind turbines, and crucial minerals, poses
a risk. Approximately 70% of India’s solar power producing capacity is developed
with Chinese-made solar equipment.
9. Limited Energy Storage Capacity: Energy storage technologies such as pumped
hydro and battery storage are still in their early phases in India. This reduces the
capacity to store extra renewable energy for later use, reducing their efficacy in
meeting peak demand.
10. Water-Energy Nexus Challenges: Certain renewable energy sources, such as
concentrated solar power (CSP), are water-intensive, which presents issues in India’s
water-stressed regions. According to the Central Water Board, the water level in the
country’s 150 key reservoirs has already plummeted to 23%, making it difficult to
employ water-intensive renewable energy technology.
Initiatives taken by India:
1. National Solar Mission (2010): Aimed to establish India as a global leader in
solar energy by creating policies and initiatives to promote the adoption of
solar technology.
2. National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (2013): Aims to promote the
manufacturing and adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in India.
3. Green Energy Corridor Project: Supported by the World Bank, project aims
to establish a nationwide interconnected transmission network to facilitate the
integration of renewable energy sources
4. National Biofuel Policy (2018): Aims to promote the use of biofuels, such as
ethanol and biodiesel, as a substitute for fossil fuels in the transportation sector
etc.
5. Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO): Mandate that a certain percentage
of electricity purchased by distribution companies must come from renewable
sources, driving the demand for clean energy.
6. National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): To make India a global hub for
production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
Steps to accelerate Green Energy transition:
 Green Entrepreneurship and Grassroot Innovation: Providing startup investment,
incubation assistance, and regulatory frameworks to local entrepreneurs working on
new sustainable energy solutions in rural regions.
 Promoting Energy Democracy: Empowering communities and individuals to
become active participants in the energy transition
For ex) energy cooperatives, community-owned renewable energy projects.
 Embracing Circular Energy Economy: by encouraging the reuse, repurposing, and
recycling of components and materials used in solar panels, wind turbines, and energy
storage systems.
 Integration of Green Energy with Agriculture – Investigating novel alternatives
such as agrivoltaics.
 Renewable Energy Storage Parks: Creating large-scale renewable energy storage
parks that combine multiple storage technologies such as batteries, pumped hydro,
and thermal storage to improve grid stability and increase renewable energy
penetration.
 Green Gig Economy and Skill Development: by upskilling and reskilling existing
workers for renewable energy occupations.
For ex) Using online platforms such as Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) to link trained
workers with freelancing opportunities in solar panel installation, wind turbine
maintenance, and electric vehicle repair.
 Floating Solar Revolution: Develop large-scale floating solar projects on reservoirs
and coastal areas to maximise RE capacity without land use conflicts.
 Land Leasing Revolution: Implement long-term land leasing programs for solar
farms, allowing farmers to retain ownership and earn from RE projects.
 Renewable Energy Special Economic Zones (RE-SEZs): Establish dedicated zones
with streamlined regulations and incentives to attract global RE companies.
 Workforce Transition From Coal to Clean Energy: Launch a “Green Collar”
initiative to retrain coal sector workers for RE jobs.
 Blockchain-Powered Decentralised Energy Trading: Implement peer-to-peer
energy trading using blockchain to enable prosumers to sell excess energy.
 Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) for Urban Environments: Promote
VAWTs in cities to tap urban wind energy potential.
 Green Hydrogen Highways: Establish green hydrogen production and distribution
centres along major transport corridors
 Solar Thermal Oases: Establish plants in arid regions integrated with greenhouse
agriculture.
 Waste-to-Energy Circular Parks: Create integrated waste management and energy
production facilities using technologies like anaerobic digestion and gasification.

Conclusion: This is a critical decade for India’s energy transition. The path forward is not
merely about transitioning from one energy source to another; it’s a paradigm shift and an
opportunity to redefine our relationship with energy, economics, and the environment.
Source: The Indian Express
Practice question: Give an account of the need for energy transition in India. Discuss in brief
the impediments towards Green energy transition and suggest measures.