India’s Green Transition: Opportunities and Challenges

Context

India’s renewable energy journey is at a pivotal moment, balancing the need for sustainable growth with rising energy demands and climate risks.

 

Advantages of Green Transition

1. Economic Growth:
   • Attract climate finance and create green jobs, boosting the economy.
2. Energy Security:
   • Reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, enhancing self-reliance.
3. Environmental Benefits:
   • Improve air quality and reduce climate risks, leading to healthier ecosystems.
4. Social Equity:
   • Bridge regional energy disparities and provide equitable access to clean energy.

 

Challenges in India’s Green Transition

1. Rising Power Demand:
   • Doubling of power demand by 2030 (370 GW peak by 2031-32) requires robust infrastructure.
2. Climate Vulnerability:
   • Over 80% of districts face climate risks, necessitating resilient energy systems.
3. Financial Barriers:
   • High costs of green technologies; transition requires $10 trillion by 2070.
4. Dependence on Fossil Fuels:
   • Coal accounts for 73% of power generation, slowing decarbonization.
5. Geographical Disparities:
   • Uneven distribution of renewable resources affects equitable technology adoption.
6. Social Concerns:
   • Risk of land-use conflicts and job losses in traditional energy sectors.

 

Strategic Shifts for a Sustainable Energy Transition

1. Decentralized Energy Systems:
   • Promote distributed renewable energy (DRE) like rooftop solar and community solar models to solarize 10 million households and generate 30 GW of clean power.
2. Redirecting Fossil Fuel Subsidies:
   • Shift subsidies to renewables; enhance tax incentives and grants for green technologies.
3. Community Solar Models:
   • Support community-led solar initiatives to make renewable energy affordable for low-income groups.
4. Operational Expenditure (Opex) Models:
   • Adopt pay-as-you-go models for energy services like electric buses and district cooling systems.
5. Consumer-Centric Financing:
   • Offer loans and subsidies for EVs and rooftop solar; aggregate small-scale investments to attract capital.
6. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
   • Share risks in large-scale renewable projects; examples like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor demonstrate potential.
7. Sustainable Mobility Solutions:
   • Expand electric buses and shared EV networks to reduce carbon emissions.
8. Integration into Global Supply Chains:
   • Collaborate in clean energy supply chains for solar PV and green hydrogen, enhancing energy security.
9. Digitalization and Decarbonization:
   • Use AI, IoT, and smart meters to optimize energy use, reduce wastage, and improve grid resilience.
10. Strengthening Global Collaborations:
    • Engage in frameworks like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to foster clean energy solutions.

 

Way Forward

• Policy Realignment:
  • Establish clear, enforceable policies to support green energy adoption.
• Capacity Building:
  • Train the workforce for emerging green jobs.
• Public Awareness:
  • Educate communities on renewable energy benefits.
• Long-Term Vision:
  • Develop strategies aligning with India’s 2070 net-zero target.