Evaluate the challenges faced by India in achieving its emission reduction targets amidst increasing energy demands. What policies should be prioritized to promote cleaner energy s

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Evaluate the challenges faced by India in achieving its emission reduction targets amidst increasing energy demands. What policies should be prioritized to promote cleaner energy sources?

Evaluate

  • 10 marks
  • 8 min
  • 150 words
  • Medium

Business Standard

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Introduction

India has committed under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve 50% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil sources. However, rapid economic growth, urbanization, and rising energy demand pose significant challenges to achieving these targets.

Challenges in Achieving Emission Reduction Targets

High Coal Dependence: Nearly 70% of India’s electricity generation comes from coal. Coal remains crucial for baseload power and energy security.

Rising Energy Demand: Expanding industrialization, transport electrification, and improved living standards are driving unprecedented power demand.

Intermittency of Renewables: Solar and wind energy face storage and grid integration challenges, limiting their full potential.

Financial Stress in DISCOMs: Weak financial health of power distribution companies hinders renewable purchase agreements and infrastructure upgrades.

Technological and Supply Chain Constraints: Dependence on imported solar modules, batteries, and critical minerals affects energy transition resilience.

Climate Vulnerability: Extreme weather events disrupt renewable infrastructure and increase adaptation costs.

Policy Priorities for Promoting Cleaner Energy

Accelerate Renewable Deployment: Expand solar, wind, offshore wind, and hybrid projects with improved transmission infrastructure.

Invest in Storage and Grid Modernization: Promote battery storage, pumped hydro, and smart grids to manage intermittency.

Green Hydrogen Mission: Support decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors like steel, fertilizers, and heavy transport.

Energy Efficiency Measures: Strengthen PAT scheme, building codes, and EV adoption to reduce overall demand growth.

Carbon Market Mechanisms: Operationalize India’s carbon market to incentivize low-carbon technologies.

Just Transition Framework: Reskill coal-dependent communities and diversify regional economies.

Conclusion

Balancing growth with sustainability requires a calibrated transition that safeguards energy security while accelerating clean energy adoption. A mix of renewable expansion, technological innovation, financial reforms, and social safeguards is essential for India to meet its emission targets and pursue sustainable development.