Few issues today engage humanity’s attention with such intensity and urgency as that of our deteriorating environment. It is an existential crisis, becoming more serious by the day. Yet, this impending doom does not keep us awake at night. It distresses but does not disrupt. The unprecedented and continuing intensity of summers, or the unforeseen floods across the globe, may distress us but don’t cause sleepless nights.
It’s not that people are unaware of the catastrophic consequences of inaction. In a disparate and unequal world, those who have, do not want to give up, and those who don’t, are relentlessly pursuing to catch up. This crisis lingers due to a conflict between those who disproportionately use the earth’s resources through superior technological and political power, and the other more than half of the world whose aspirations are fuelled by this inequitable resource sharing. Leaderships whose sole objective is to perpetuate their own regimes constantly raise people’s expectations of a better and richer life.
This dilemma defines our current crisis—a crisis everyone acknowledges but whose resolution defies both consensus and accommodation. Terms of agreement seem impossible to reconcile and may possibly succeed only after an irreversible catastrophe.
Despite this dismal overview, the solution lies not in lamenting what we can’t do but in exploring what more can be done to defer the ultimate cataclysm. With global demand for oil and petroleum resurging, and no immediate prospect of it diminishing, the probability of Global Carbon Emissions (GCE) hitting further south is bleak. The time-bound containment so enthusiastically endorsed during the past COPs seems buried. Efforts to phase out fossil fuels in a time-bound manner have been put on the back burner, and prohibiting coal use is impractical, inexpedient, and politically unsustainable.
In these circumstances, India’s policy direction offers a middle path that is strong in commitment, clear in vision, and resolute in execution. This article charts India’s initiatives to develop non-fossil energy sources that do not emit GHGs (greenhouse gases) and are environmentally sustainable. Furthermore, it examines what India could offer to the rest of the world as a replicable policy paradigm to address this existential threat.
The first part of this article discusses the science and technology behind these initiatives. The second part reviews global progress and India’s contributions. The third part explores India’s commitments and endeavours, showcasing how she could lead the global pursuit of a safe and sustainable environment.
The urgent need to transition to non-fossil fuel sources of energy cannot be overstated, given their pivotal role in curbing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigating climate change. Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, tidal, and biofuels stand out as crucial pillars in this endeavour, as they produce minimal to no GHG emissions during production. Below, we delve into the science and technology behind these sustainable energy sources, highlighting their significance and potential for a cleaner, safer environment.
SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy emerges as a frontrunner among non-fossil fuel alternatives, second only to hydropower in magnitude and relevance. It is harnessed through two primary technologies: Photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal systems. Solar panels, employing PV technology, directly convert sunlight into electricity, offering a substantial reduction in carbon footprints and aligning with climate objectives.
Photovoltaics (PV): How It Works
PV cells utilize the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into electrical energy. When sunlight strikes these cells, photons transfer energy to electrons in the semiconducting material, often crystalline silicon. This process liberates electrons, creating electron-hole pairs and generating electric current. The efficiency of silicon PV cells typically ranges from 15% to 20%, with ongoing advancements enhancing their performance and reducing environmental impacts associated with production.
Solar Thermal (Concentrated Solar Power, CSP): How It Works
CSP systems concentrate sunlight using mirrors or lenses onto a small area, generating heat that drives a turbine connected to an electrical generator. Particularly effective in sunny climates, CSP can incorporate thermal energy storage for continuous electricity production. However, challenges such as land and water usage in arid regions underscore the importance of sustainable deployment strategies.
Challenges and Solutions
Addressing solar energy’s intermittent availability, advancements in battery storage technologies are pivotal. Additionally, initiatives like subsidies and incentives coupled with technological innovations are instrumental in lowering initial installation costs, fostering broader solar energy adoption.
WIND ENERGY
Harnessing the kinetic energy of wind through turbines, wind energy has emerged as a cost-effective and emission-free electricity generation method. Its scalability and minimal environmental impact make it a cornerstone of renewable energy portfolios worldwide.
How It Works
Wind turbines convert wind energy into electrical power as aerodynamic forces cause turbine blades to rotate, driving an electric generator. Horizontal-axis turbines, prevalent in onshore and offshore installations, offer high efficiency and adaptability across diverse environments.
Challenges and Solutions
Overcoming challenges related to visual and noise impacts requires strategic site selection and community engagement. Furthermore, managing variable output through grid integration and storage solutions enhances the reliability and effectiveness of wind energy systems.
Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
TIDAL ENERGY
Utilizing the predictable movement of tides, tidal energy holds promise as a highly efficient renewable energy source. Tidal turbines, submerged in areas with strong tidal currents, or tidal barrages, capturing tidal potential energy, represent innovative solutions for clean electricity generation.
Challenges and Solutions
Balancing the environmental impact on marine ecosystems necessitates ongoing research and meticulous site assessments. Addressing cost barriers involves technological advancements and economies of scale to make tidal energy economically competitive.
BIOFUELS
Derived from biomass such as plants, algae, or animal waste, biofuels offer a renewable alternative to conventional fuels. Bioethanol and biodiesel, produced through fermentation and transesterification processes, respectively, contribute to reducing carbon emissions in transportation sectors.
How It Works
Biofuels, being carbon neutral, offset CO2 emissions through plant absorption, making them viable options for existing combustion engines. Advances in biofuel production from non-food biomass sources promote sustainability and reduce competition with food resources.
Challenges and Solutions
Navigating the food vs. fuel debate necessitates utilizing non-food biomass and enhancing crop yields sustainably. Ensuring responsible biofuel production practices mitigates environmental impacts and ensures long-term viability.
Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
HYDROPOWER
Harnessing water flow to generate electricity, hydropower represents a mature and reliable renewable energy source. Pumped storage systems further enhance grid stability by providing energy storage capabilities.
Environmental Impact
While hydropower itself is emissions-free, damming rivers can have ecological repercussions, highlighting the importance of balanced environmental stewardship in energy infrastructure development.
Each of these non-fossil fuel energy sources plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable energy future. Mitigating their challenges through technological innovation, strategic deployment, and environmental stewardship is essential to realizing their full potential in combating climate change and securing a safer, greener planet.
II
As of 2024, remarkable strides are being made in solar, wind, tidal, and biofuel energies globally, with each sector contributing significantly to environmental sustainability efforts. Here’s a detailed look at the current status of progress and accomplishments in these areas, with a particular emphasis on India’s notable contributions.
SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy technology has undergone substantial advancements, leading to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Innovations such as bifacial solar panels, which capture sunlight from both sides, and improvements in photovoltaic (PV) materials have driven down costs and facilitated wider deployment. Solar power capacity is experiencing rapid growth, especially in regions with abundant solar irradiance.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), an initiative spearheaded by India and France, is pivotal in promoting solar energy adoption among solar-rich nations. The ISA focuses on mobilizing investments, fostering sustainable practices, and crafting policy frameworks conducive to solar energy proliferation.
India’s pivotal role in the ISA is reflected in its ambitious ‘Towards 1000’ strategy, aiming to install 1,000 GW of solar capacity by 2030, provide energy access to a billion people, and mobilize $1 trillion in investments. As of November 2022, India stands as the world’s fourth-largest solar PV deployer, with an impressive installed capacity of approximately 61.97 GW. Achieving grid parity underscores India’s leadership in solar power deployment and technology innovation.
Image Courtesy: Flickr
WIND ENERGY
The wind energy sector continues to expand, with offshore wind farms gaining prominence due to their higher capacity and steadier wind conditions compared to onshore sites. Technological advancements, such as taller turbines with larger rotors, have boosted energy capture efficiency, making wind projects more economically viable even in areas with lower wind speeds.
While there isn’t a dedicated global alliance for wind energy akin to the ISA, various international collaborations and agreements facilitate knowledge sharing, technology development, and policy harmonization in the wind energy sector.
India stands out as a global leader in installed wind power capacity, supported by government policies like feed-in tariffs and generation-based incentives. The country’s robust manufacturing capabilities for wind turbines and components further contribute to its prominence in the international wind energy market.
BIOFUEL ENERGY
Biofuels are gaining recognition as viable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, especially in the transportation sector. Advances in second-generation biofuels from non-food biomass and third-generation biofuels from algae are driving interest due to their sustainability and lower environmental impact.
India’s involvement in global biofuel initiatives is exemplified by its participation in the Biofuture Platform, a multi-stakeholder coalition promoting sustainable biofuel production and use through policy dialogue and technology exchange.
The launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) during the recent G20 summit underscores India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and GHG emissions reduction. With participation from 19 countries and 12 international organizations, including India, Brazil, and the US as founding members, the GBA aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable biofuels globally.
INDIA’S NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION
In addition to solar, wind, and biofuels, India is making significant strides in harnessing hydrogen’s potential. The National Hydrogen Mission, aligned with global net-zero emission goals, aims to enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and drive innovation through green hydrogen production.
By leveraging diverse pathways for hydrogen production, including green hydrogen from renewable sources, India is poised to emerge as a leader in global hydrogen energy production and utilization.
In conclusion, India’s achievements in solar, wind, biofuel, and hydrogen energies exemplify its commitment to sustainable development and global environmental stewardship. Through international collaborations and ambitious domestic initiatives, India continues to play a vital role in transitioning towards a cleaner, greener energy future.
Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
III
India’s trajectory towards environmental sustainability is a dynamic saga intertwined with its rapid economic growth and burgeoning population. As the nation grapples with developmental imperatives, its commitments on international platforms like COP and G20 epitomize a sincere dedication to leading by example and becoming a beacon for developing countries.
- International Commitments and Contextual Comparisons: India’s engagements in COP and G20 signify a steadfast resolve towards environmental stewardship. These commitments, juxtaposed with other emerging economies like Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia, highlight India’s unique balance of population size, economic structure, and sustainable development goals. While India’s net-zero target extends to 2070, its credibility, political stability, and democratic ethos position it as a frontrunner in global leadership for sustainable practices.
- Ambitious National Commitments and Strategic Vision: India’s national climate strategy is underpinned by ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. These commitments, including a 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2030 and a substantial increase in non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity, showcase India’s proactive stance aligned with or exceeding targets set by peers in the global arena.
- Renewable Energy Leadership and Technological Innovations: India’s leadership in renewable energy is unparalleled, with robust initiatives like the National Solar Mission and expansive wind energy projects. The country’s foray into tidal energy and investments in biofuels underscore a comprehensive approach towards reducing fossil fuel dependency. Collaborations on clean technologies with global partners like Brazil and the US exemplify India’s commitment to technological advancements and sustainable energy solutions.
- Diplomatic Engagements and Policy Innovations: India’s international leadership is underscored by initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), aimed at promoting solar adoption globally. Additionally, innovative national policies like the Green India Mission and Smart Cities Mission emphasize afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban development. These initiatives showcase India’s proactive approach towards addressing environmental challenges at both local and global levels.
- Challenges and Strategies for Global Influence: While India faces challenges in financial support and technological access for meeting climate targets, its strategic focus on technology transfer, international partnerships, and showcasing successful policy implementation can enhance its global influence. By scaling up technology transfer, deepening diplomatic ties, and leading by example, India can inspire emulation and foster significant strides in global climate action.
- Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Movement: On a more philosophical and conceptual level, the LiFE movement advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offers a more deeply foundational approach to the environment. It argues for the optimisation of resource demand, and inculcating a mind-set that must compel us to shun wastes and frittering away of precious assets even when one can afford to do so. It is not ‘essentialism’ or ‘minimalism’ but borrows from them elements of preservation. By scaling up technology transfer, deepening diplomatic ties, and leading by example with LiFE, India can inspire emulation and foster significant strides in global climate action.
Given the fact that India has only 2.4 percent of the world’s land area and is using only 6.1 percent of the world’s primary energy, while it supports around 18 percent of the global human population, not to forget the largest livestock population in the world, her commitment and the corresponding efforts can only be lauded. The political, economic, and socio-cultural challenges that impede its quest for rapid growth with equity are huge and complex.
And yet India’s journey towards environmental sustainability is marked by unwavering commitments, innovative policies, and strategic collaborations. As the nation navigates complex challenges, its leadership in renewable energy, diplomatic engagements, and policy innovations position it as a formidable force in shaping a sustainable future. By harnessing its strengths and leveraging international partnerships, India stands poised to become a role model for developing nations and a catalyst for global environmental leadership.
*The writer, a Harvard educated civil servant, is a former Secretary to the Government of India. He also served on the Central Administrative Tribunal and as Secretary General of ASSOCHAM. He commands extensive expertise in the fields including Media and Information, Industrial and Labour Reforms, and Public Policy.
