India Becomes Third Largest Producer of Solar Power

Source- This article on India Becomes Third Largest Producer of Solar Power is based on the article “India is now third largest producer of solar power” published in the “The Hindu” on “9th May 2024”.

Why in News

According to a report by international energy analytics agency Ember, India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s third-highest producer of solar power in 2023. India generated 113 billion units (BU) of solar power in 2023 compared to Japan’s 110 BU.

What is the Status of Installed Power and Solar Power in India

1. India’s ranking in terms of Installed Power Capacity- The installed power capacity includes both renewable and non-renewable energy. In terms of installed capacity, India is at 5th position in the world.

2. Gap in Solar Power production due to demand-supply mismatch- According to NITI aayog, while solar power constitutes 18% of India’s total installed electricity of 442 GW, it contributes to only 6.66% of the power production. This reflects a gap between the potential and actual solar power produced. This gap in solar power produced is dependent on country’s power demand and local circumstances.

Who are the Leaders in Solar Power Production

1. China tops in the Solar Power Production- China is the leading producer of solar power in the world, with 584 BU of solar power in 2024. It is more than the next four countries combined, that is the United States, India, Japan, and Germany.

2. US is at the Second Spot- India needs to more than double its current solar production to overtake USA, which is at the second spot with 228 BU of Solar Production.

Status of Renewable energy in the World

1. Expansion of renewable energy- Renewable energy’s share in the global electricity production has expanded from 19% in 2000 to 30% in 2023. This is driven mainly by an increase in solar and wind power.

2. China is the main driver of the increase- China alone accounts for 51% of the additional global solar generation and 60% of new global wind generation in 2023.

3. Generation of electricity from low Carbon Sources- World generates 40% of its electricity from low carbon sources, which includes renewable sources and nuclear Power.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment