[Answered] Discuss the key challenges faced by India in transitioning from a fossil fuel-based energy policy to a green energy framework. How can India balance its energy needs with environmental sustainability?

India faces several key challenges in transitioning from a fossil fuel-based energy policy to a green energy framework.

Challenges

• Heavy Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Coal still dominates India’s energy mix, crucial for powering industries and homes. Shifting away from this established infrastructure requires significant investment.
• Storage Solutions: Unlike coal-fired plants, solar and wind power are intermittent. Efficient and cost-effective energy storage solutions like advanced batteries are needed to ensure consistent power supply.
• Grid Integration: Integrating large-scale renewable energy sources into the existing grid infrastructure poses technical challenges.
• Financing the Shift: Building new renewable energy plants and upgrading the grid requires substantial funds. Attracting private and international investment is crucial.
• Job Market Disruption: Transitioning from fossil fuels may lead to job losses in coal mining and related sectors. Reskilling and creating new opportunities in green industries are essential.

Balancing Energy Needs with Sustainability

• Diversifying Renewable Energy: India is well-positioned in the solar energy sector. Yet, investigating additional choices like biomass, hydropower, and wind can result in a more stable and dependable blend of renewable energy.
• Policy and Incentives: Feed-in tariffs and tax rebates are examples of government policies that encourage the generation of renewable energy and can serve as incentives for investment. Eg, the PLI scheme incentivizes domestic manufacturers.
• Technological Innovation: Long-term success depends on funding research and development of energy storage and renewable energy technologies.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Working together, the public and private sectors can draw funding and expedite the building of infrastructure.
• Just Transition: To facilitate the shift and open up new prospects in the green economy, support and skill-development initiatives for employees in the fossil fuel industry can be provided.

Conclusion

By addressing these challenges India can achieve long-term commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070 to the shorter/medium term objectives of reducing carbon intensity of GDP and creating 500 GW of electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.