India achieves significant clean energy accomplishment, yet coal continues to dominate
India has made significant strides in its renewable energy sector, with the Minister of Renewable Energy announcing that the country has reached a 50% milestone in its energy production from renewable sources. This milestone was achieved five years ahead of India's 2030 target under the Paris Agreement.
Despite this achievement, coal remains a crucial part of India's energy mix, powering over 74% of the country's electricity and sustaining key industries like steel and cement. Last year, India increased its production of coal by 5%, mining one billion tonnes.
Half of India's installed capacity comes from non-fossil fuel sources, but the actual generation from renewable sources is still quite low. The renewable energy figures refer only to potential energy production, not actual generation. India's electricity needs are expected to more than double by 2047, posing a significant challenge in the transition to cleaner power.
The transition requires a multi-pronged approach, according to Goswami. This includes emission intensity reduction of coal plants and better integration of renewable energy in the grid. India is rapidly deploying battery energy storage systems (BESS), including hybrid solar/wind+battery projects and standalone storage. The country has auctioned about 12.8 GWh of BESS capacity since 2022, with a target to reach 236.2 GWh by 2031-32 alongside pumped hydro storage.
However, building storage based on batteries requires rare earth metals, with China controlling 70 percent of the world's supplies. The Minister of Renewable Energy, Joshi, has expressed concern about the storage bottleneck. India is considering pump-hydro energy storage projects as a solution.
Per capita emissions in India are only one-third of the global average, but India ranks behind only China and the United States for carbon emissions overall. India has set itself the challenging goal of reducing emissions by 45% by 2030.
Hydro and wind power also contribute to India's renewable energy mix. Nearly three-quarters of India's electricity still comes from coal-burning power plants. Nuclear power makes up less than two percent of India's total energy mix.
India is building one of the world's largest solar and wind energy farms, aiming to secure excess renewable energy and reduce dependence on coal. The renewable energy sector in India is expanding rapidly, but the challenges ahead are significant. The country must balance its need for energy with its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
