By Pallavi Agrawal
Did you know that as of 2024, India’s solar power capacity is 73 gigawatts, marking a significant jump in the country’s renewable energy journey and the sustainable development of India? This remarkable growth is not just a number; it’s evidence of India’s commitment to a sustainable future and a cleaner planet.
The expansion of solar power reflects a transformative shift in the nation’s energy landscape, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and covering the way for a greener and more resilient economy.
By accepting renewable energy towards sustainable development at such a fast pace, India is setting an example for other nations. This growth highlights the potential for job creation, technological innovation, and economic benefits, showing that sustainable development is not only necessary but also preferable. As global challenges like climate change become more crucial, India’s steps in renewable energy offer a light of hope and a plan for a more sustainable world.
What is sustainable development?
The United Nations states sustainable development as “development that encounters the needs of the present without sacrificing the potential of future generations to meet their own needs”. Previously sustainability has more or less focused on climate change and environmental impacts, but the new principle of sustainability includes efforts towards a comprehensive future for people and the planet.
All available indicators point to the environmental situation being nothing short of disastrous.
Natural ecosystems are under pressure and decline across most of the country and around 10 per cent of the country’s wildlife is endangered with extinction; agricultural biodiversity has declined by over 90 per cent in many regions.
Well over half the available water resources are polluted for drinking and often even agricultural use.
Two-thirds of the land is degraded to various levels of substandard productivity.
Air pollution in several regions is amongst the world’s worst; ‘modern’ wastes including electronic and chemical are being produced at rates far exceeding our capacity to recycle or manage.
To achieve sustainable development India has a successful initiative to improve water conservation, such as rainwater harvesting and drainage management, which have been introduced in some regions, though their success differs across states. India has faced challenges like water scarcity due to factors like population, rapid urbanisation and agricultural demand.
Agriculture alone accounts for 78% of India’s freshwater usage, creating pressure on resources. Rapid development has led to inadequate infrastructure, pollution and insufficient basic services in many cities. Farmers face serious problems due to changing climate patterns, impacting crop yields and increasing compulsion.
How does renewable energy contribute to sustainable development?
For sustainable development India tries to balance economic, social and environmental factors to ensure a better future for everyone. The aim is to develop a society where everyone has a way to the resources they need to lead respectable lives without risking the environment. Let’s discuss some of the most important ways that technologies for renewable energy contribute to sustainable development.
Contribution to economic growth:
To achieve economic growth India has notably made its contribution by reducing dependency on fossil fuels and upgrading energy security.
India’s renewable energy sector has seen fast growth and ranks 4th globally with an increment of 396% over 8.5 years, promoting economic development through job creation and investment opportunities.
In 2022, India’s renewable energy sector generated approximately 988,000 jobs, reflecting significant employment opportunities in solar and wind energy projects. This growth is part of broader economic development.
Reducing the release of greenhouse gases:
Greenhouse gas emissions can be minimised and the effects of climate change can be reduced, by using renewable energy sources. The consumption of fossil fuels and the damage caused by the carbon dioxide released into the environment can be reduced by clean renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
India has been actively expanding its renewable energy sector to reduce its carbon footprint. Projects like the Bhadla Solar Park and Tamil Nadu’s wind farms have contributed to a substantial increase in renewable energy capacity.
Providing energy access:
In poor countries, earlier powerless groups can now use renewable energy sources. While having an approach to energy is essential for many systems of daily life, like lighting, cooking and heating, it can potentially lower hunger rates and uplift living standards. To achieve SDG India has initiated some measures to bring electricity to all areas.
The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya Scheme), aimed to provide electricity to all households in rural and urban areas across India. By the end of March 2019, India announced that it had electrified over 99.9% of households.
Promoting the growth of rural areas:
By providing rural people with energy gain, renewable energy technologies can support the development of rural areas by raising agricultural output, driving economic growth and building the quality of life. It is essential to consider how our environment is impacted by everything in it.
For example, Dharnai, a village in Bihar, India, was without electricity for over 30 years. Greenpeace India and its partners implemented a solar-powered micro-grid to provide electricity to the village which has impacted powered over 450 homes, 50 commercial establishments, and two schools.
Importance of innovations in renewable energy production
There are a lot of transformations that are moulding the renewable energy sector. New technologies are becoming increasingly popular, creating awareness around switching to cleaner solutions, like green energy technologies.
With the growth of AI, additive manufacturing, automation and other new technologies, the transition towards a cleaner future can be smooth. Here are some of the modes shaping the energy industry.
Solar-Powered Trains
Thomas A. Edison, one of the most important inventors in the field of electric power generation sector, said: “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” It clearly says that there is a huge potential in solar power. Many people agree with this approach and try to find more ways of using solar energy to develop renewable energy innovations. India has made significant pace in utilising solar energy for its railways. The Indian Railways launched its first solar-powered train in 2017, which uses rooftop solar panels to power lights and fans in passenger coaches.
Emergence of Floating Solar Panel
Solar Energy in India is easily the biggest source of renewable energy today. Much like conventional solar panels installed on terraces, new devices like the floating photovoltaics or FPV are gaining popularity. India is pioneering the development of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems which help conserve land, reduce water evaporation, and increase energy efficiency by keeping the panels cool.
Source: Science Direct
Changing the Course of Battery Technology
Lithium batteries are the most used forms of batteries which are causing the slow consumption of lithium reserves globally. More because of EVs, whose battery portion runs with Lithium-ion batteries.
India is expanding its production of lithium-ion batteries to support its electric vehicle (EV) industry. As the demand for EVs grows, India is investing in domestic manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries to reduce dependency on imports
Algae Biofuel Production
To achieve sustainable development India is using the alternative to fossil fuels by utilising the rapid growth and high oil content of certain types of algae. Algae can be cultured in various environments, including wastewater treatment facilities and coastal areas, providing an adaptable and carbon-neutral source of biofuel. The country’s research focuses on utilising algae’s rapid growth and high oil content to produce biofuels.
Best practices for integrating renewable energy sources
Five best practices for integrating renewable energy
Support building-integrated photovoltaics
Include photovoltaic materials into building elements like roofs, facades and windows, serving both as a power source and part of the building wrap, enhancing aesthetic and structural elements while generating energy. MicroSun Solar is one of India’s leading manufacturers of solar photovoltaic modules, including BIPV systems, integrating solar panels into building elements.
Accept advanced energy storage systems
Execute energy storage solutions to improve grid durability and ensure a good supply of renewable energy, balancing both supply and demand also reducing support on traditional energy sources during peak times. Companies like Advanced Energy Storage Solutions provide reliable and efficient energy storage solutions to enhance grid stability and support renewable energy.
Utilise sustainable building materials and design for waste reduction
Choose materials that are sustainable, reusable and that cause a low impact on the environment, design buildings to minimise waste production through ready-made and modular construction methods. Tata Housing is committed to sustainable urban development and uses eco-friendly construction techniques.
Integrate smart grid and AI technologies
Engage advanced grid planning models and artificial intelligence to optimize the combination and management of renewable energy sources, building the efficiency and reliability of energy use in commercial projects. Tata Power is using AI for predictive maintenance and optimising power distribution.
Categorise energy efficiency in design and operations
Focus on maximising energy efficiency through innovative design, such as optimising natural light, using energy-efficient tools and implementing passive solar heating and cooling strategies to reduce energy usage and functioning costs. L&T Construction is known for integrating energy-efficient designs and technologies in their construction projects, L&T Construction focuses on sustainable building practices, including energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems and passive solar design elements.
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Sources for data from this article include:
- UN, Climate Change
- NRDC, Renewable Energy Facts
- Enerdatics, Innovations in Renewable Energy
- Surwahi, Sustainable Development Goals
- KnowHow, Energy and Power
