India’s Renewable Energy Initiatives (Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass)

I. Introduction

India has emerged as one of the global leaders in renewable energy adoption. The country is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, in line with its Net Zero by 2070 goal and NDCs under the Paris Agreement. As of 2024, India has over 180 GW of installed renewable capacity, including large hydro.

II. Solar Energy Initiatives

1. National Solar Mission (NSM)

• Launched under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2010.
• Aims to make India a global solar hub.
• Target: 280 GW by 2030 (earlier target: 100 GW by 2022; ~73 GW achieved).

2. PM-KUSUM Scheme (2019)

• Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan.
• Promotes solarization of agriculture pumps, de-dieselization of irrigation.
• Components:
  • Solar pumps
  • Grid-connected pumps
  • Decentralized solar power plants

3. Rooftop Solar Programme

• Phase II aims to install 40 GW rooftop solar in residential sectors.
• Promotes net-metering and subsidies for households.

4. Solar Parks Scheme

• Support for large-scale solar parks (500 MW+).
• Over 50 solar parks sanctioned across 14 states.

5. International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• India-led international treaty-based organization launched at COP21 (2015).
• Over 110 member countries promoting solar energy adoption, especially in tropical countries.

III. Wind Energy Initiatives

1. India’s Wind Potential

• Estimated potential: over 300 GW, especially in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan.
• Installed capacity: ~44 GW (as of 2024).

2. National Offshore Wind Energy Policy (2015)

• Enables offshore wind energy development within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Potential offshore wind capacity: 70 GW along Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coasts.

3. Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy (2018)

• Promotes hybrid power projects to optimize land and grid infrastructure.
• Enables greater renewable integration and cost reduction.

IV. Hydro Power Initiatives

1. Classification

• Large Hydro: >25 MW – recently included under “renewable energy” by the Ministry of Power.
• Small Hydro: ≤25 MW – promoted since 1999.

2. Current Capacity

• Total hydro: ~47 GW (as of 2024)
  • Large hydro: ~40 GW
  • Small hydro: ~7 GW

3. Key Schemes

• Hydropower Policy (2019): Supports large hydro through tariff rationalization, financial support for infrastructure, and hydrological risk-sharing.
• Emphasis on pumped storage for grid stability and peak demand.

V. Biomass Energy Initiatives

1. Biomass Potential

• Estimated potential: 25 GW.
• India generates ~500 million tonnes of agricultural and forest residues annually.

2. Key Schemes

• National Bio-Energy Mission (announced): Focuses on biomass, bagasse-based cogeneration, and waste-to-energy.
• SATAT Initiative (2018):
  • Stands for Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation.
  • Promotes production of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) from agricultural waste, manure, municipal solid waste.

3. GOBAR-DHAN Scheme

• Promotes biogas generation from cattle dung and other organic waste in rural areas.

VI. Key Policy & Institutional Support

• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE): Nodal ministry.
• SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India): Implements large-scale solar and wind projects.
• IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency): Financial support for RE projects.
• Renewable Energy Investment Promotion:
  • 100% FDI allowed in RE sector via automatic route.
  • PLI Scheme for solar PV modules.
  • Viability Gap Funding for offshore wind and battery storage.