Is renewable energy better for the planet and what are the challenges faced by India in renewable energy?
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that can be replenished, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal. Renewable energy is better for the planet than fossil fuels, which are non-renewable and emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change. Renewable energy has many benefits, such as:
- Reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions can improve human health and the environment.
- Enhancing energy security and independence by diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on foreign oil and gas.
- Creating jobs and economic opportunities by stimulating innovation and investment in clean energy technologies and industries.
- Supporting rural development and social equity by providing access to affordable and reliable electricity for remote and marginalized communities.
However, renewable energy faces challenges, especially in developing countries like India. Some of these challenges are:
- High initial costs and lack of financing can hinder the deployment and adoption of renewable energy projects and technologies.
- Intermittency and variability can affect the power grid's stability and reliability and require backup sources or storage systems.
- Technical and institutional barriers, such as inadequate infrastructure, regulations, policies, standards, and skills, can limit the integration and expansion of renewable energy in the energy sector.
- Social and environmental impacts include land use conflicts, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and displacement of local communities, which can arise from the construction and operation of renewable energy facilities.
Therefore, renewable energy is better for the planet in many ways, but it also requires careful planning and management to overcome its challenges and maximize its benefits. India has a huge potential for renewable energy development, but it also needs to address the various issues that may hinder its progress.
Switching to clean sources of energy, such as wind and solar, thus helps address not only climate change but also air pollution and health. They differ from fossil fuels principally in their diversity, abundance and potential for use anywhere on the planet, but above all in that they produce neither greenhouse gases which cause climate change nor polluting emissions. It is evident that clean energy is less harmful and often cheaper. India is aiming to attain 175 GW of renewable energy which would consist of 100 GW from solar energy, 10 GW from bio-power, 60 GW from wind power, and 5 GW from small hydropower plants by the year 2022. India faces three principal challenges: (1) how to expand reliable energy access and use while maintaining affordability for consumers and financial stability for the DISCOMs; (2) how, at the same time, to integrate increasing shares of renewable energy in a secure and reliable manner; and (3) how to reduce emissions. Environmental and economic benefits of using renewable energy include: Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution. Diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels. By relying on clean, renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and decrease the amount of harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide that are emitted into the atmosphere. Renewable energy is no exception, and each source has its own trade-offs. However, the advantages over the devastating impacts of fossil fuels are undeniable: from the reduction of water and land use, less air and water pollution, less wildlife and habitat loss, to no or lower greenhouse gas emissions. Although India has made progress in developing its renewable energy sector, it still faces obstacles. Off-taker risk, lack of infrastructure, lack of financial intermediaries, and lack of investor understanding are the top four challenges to overcome.
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