India Can Lead Global Clean Energy by 2047

Source: The post India Can Lead Global Clean Energy by 2047 has been created, based on the article “India can lead the charge in creating a global and seamless energy network” published in “Indian Express” on 2 April 2025. India Can Lead Global Clean Energy by 2047.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Infrastructures- Energy

Context: As India approaches 2047, its 100th year of independence, it aspires to become a global superpower. One key obstacle is its dependence on imported fossil fuels. The article argues that India must secure its energy future and also become a global exporter of clean electricity.

For detailed information on Self-reliance in Energy Sector read this article here

Importance of Energy Independence for India’s Future

1. Economic Drain: India spends over $130 billion every year on oil and gas imports. This weakens the rupee and fuels inflation.
2. Strategic Imperative: Reducing reliance on foreign energy is crucial for long-term stability and economic growth.
3. Global Electrification Trend: The world is moving towards clean electricity. India can shift from being an energy importer to an energy exporter.
4. Technological Advancements: HVDC transmission and related technologies now make global electricity trade possible.
5. Financial Benefit: By 2047, India could become a $100 billion clean electricity exporter, improving its economic and global standing.

India Benefits from the Changing Global Energy System

1. Shift to Renewables: The global transition to solar and wind power opens new opportunities for India.
2. Technological Advances: Innovations like HVDC transmission, battery storage, and submarine cables now support international electricity trade.
3. India’s Strategic Initiatives: Projects like One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) and $100 billion in planned grid investments aim to connect India with regions like Saudi Arabia and Japan.
4. Economic Opportunity: Cutting energy imports and exporting clean electricity could reverse India’s energy trade deficit.
5. Cost Competitiveness: India’s solar power may drop to 1.5 cents per unit, making it highly competitive globally.

India’s Capability to Export Clean Electricity

1. Robust Infrastructure: India has a strong national grid already linked with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
2. Tech Readiness: Advanced HVDC lines and deep-sea cables allow long-distance power transfer.
3. Geographical Advantage: India’s location between the Middle East and Southeast Asia gives access to key energy markets.
4. Strategic Vision: Government-led efforts like OSOWOG show a long-term commitment to renewable energy leadership.
5. Economic Potential: Investment in solar and wind energy aims to further lower costs and increase global competitiveness.

Challenges in Clean Energy Transition

1. Storage Bottleneck: Storage is essential to use surplus renewable power when demand is high.
2. Global Requirement: Bloomberg estimates 4,000 GW of storage is needed globally by 2050, requiring $177 billion annually.
3. India’s Task: India must deploy 50 GWh of battery and pumped hydro storage every year for the next decade.
4. Cost Advantage: Battery prices have dropped by 30%, and India can use its hydropower for pumped storage.

Way Forward

1. Build Domestic Capacity: Manufacture HVDC tech, submarine cables, storage systems, and cable-laying vessels.
2. Expand Global Links: Award 10 GW of HVDC corridor projects every 3 years to build connectivity.
3. Integrate Neighbours: Provide General Network Access (GNA) to nearby countries, like Indian states today.
4. Connect Global Grids: Link with Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and by 2035, Russia and the US.
5. Enable Trade: Create a global electricity trading system like UPI, with India at the center.
6. Ultimate Goal: Transition from a $130 billion importer to a $100 billion exporter of clean power by 2047.

Conclusion

India has the technology, vision, and natural resources to lead the global energy transition. With bold and timely action, it can become energy dominant by 2047, powering not just its own growth but also the world.

Question for practice:

Examine how India can transition from an energy importer to a global exporter of clean electricity by 2047.