From fossil fuels to cleaner energy- clean energy share in India and its States’ electricity mix

Source: The post from fossil fuels to cleaner energy has been created on the article “Clean energy share in India and its States’ electricity mix” published in “The Hindu” on 29 November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Economic development- infrastructure (energy)

News: The upcoming U.N. climate summit in Dubai highlights the varying progress and challenges faced by different countries in transitioning to clean energy. The BRICS countries along with other nations, are focusing on balancing development needs with climate goals.

What is the status of BRICS members in their transition towards clean energy?

BRICS Countries:

China: Significant reduction in fossil fuel usage for power generation (from 82% in 2000 to 65% in 2022). Despite this, China leads the world in both clean and dirty energy, responsible for about 30% of annual global emissions (world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter).

India: Modest increase in clean energy usage (from 17% to 23% between 2000 and 2022). India’s proposal to expand the phasing down of coal to include oil and gas was supported by 80 countries but blocked by Saudi Arabia and other major oil producers.

Brazil and Ethiopia: Notable for having over 90% of their power generation from clean energy sources. Brazil has been active in negotiating carbon credit market rules.

South Africa: Still heavily reliant on fossil fuels (86% from fossil fuels) but received a $8.5 billion deal in 2021 to aid the transition to renewable energy. Currently struggling with power crises and ageing coal plants.

Saudi Arabia: Predominantly reliant on fossil fuels (over 99%) with gas comprising about 67%.

UAE: Improved its clean energy share post-2020, incorporating nuclear fuel into its mix.

Note: BRICS- Established in 2001, the BRICS group consists of the world’s leading emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. At its 15th summit in Johannesburg, the group expanded to include BRICS-Plus, adding six new countries: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE. Their membership will commence in January 2024.

What is the status of Indian states in their transition towards clean energy?

The share of clean and fossil fuel sources in power generation of select Indian States between 2019 and 2022 are:

Gujarat: Reducing fossil fuel usage from 80% in 2019 to 60% in 2022.

Rajasthan: Like Gujarat, it has seen a decline in fossil fuel use.

Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh: Leaders among the top 15 power-producing states, with a higher share of clean energy.

Tamil Nadu: Approaching a 50:50 clean-to-fossil fuel ratio, but progress has stagnated recently.

Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Bihar: High dependence on fossil fuels (over 90%), with no significant change in the last four years.

Odisha and Punjab: Contrarily, these states have seen an increase in fossil fuel usage in recent years.

What government initiatives are in place to promote clean energy?

To promote clean energy, the government has implemented several key initiatives are a)100% FDI– under the automatic route encourages global investment, b)  Waiver of ISTS Charges– Exempting solar and wind power projects from Inter State Transmission System charges if commissioned by June 30, 2025, c) Establishing Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) trajectory up to 2022 ensures a consistent demand for renewable energy, d) Payment Security Mechanisms– Mandating dispatch against Letter of Credit or advance payment ensures timely payments to renewable energy generators.

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Question for practice:

Examine the progress and challenges in the shift towards clean energy within BRICS nations and Indian states.