India’s need for an equitable energy transition to meet rising power demand

Source: The post India’s need for an equitable energy transition to meet rising power demand has been created, based on the article “The green transition India needs” published in “Indian Express” on 14th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3-infrastructure-energy

Context: The article highlights India’s need for an equitable energy transition to meet rising power demand. It highlights seven shifts, including decentralizing energy, focusing on operational costs, investing in climate resilience, and integrating digital technologies and circular economy practices, with people at the core.

For detailed information on Energy Transition: Challenges and Solutions read this article here

What Are the Key Shifts Needed for India’s Energy Transition?

1. Shift to Decentralized Energy Systems:
   1. India aims to solarize 10 million households, adding 30 GW of clean energy through rooftop solar installations.
   2. However, rooftop solar remains expensive for low-income groups. A Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) study found that ~30% of India’s rooftop solar potential lies in the 0-1 kW category, which is still costly even after subsidies.
   3. Community solar models or partnerships can make solar energy more accessible.
2. Adopt Operational Expenditure Models:
   1. Transitioning from capital expenditure (capex) to operational expenditure (opex) can lower barriers for clean energy adoption.
   2. Examples include utilities setting up solar systems and charging pay-as-you-go, district cooling services, and sustainable mobility models like per-kilometer payments for clean transportation.
3. Invest in Climate-Resilient Systems:
   1. Over 80% of India’s population resides in climate-vulnerable districts, as highlighted by a CEEW study.
   2. Investments in resilient energy systems and climate-proofing infrastructure are critical to avoid macroeconomic shocks.
4. Integrate into Global Supply Chains:
   1. India should focus on collaborating in solar PV and green hydrogen supply chains instead of adopting protectionist industrial policies.
   2. Participation in global supply chains promotes energy security through interdependence and collaboration.
5. Combine Decarbonization and Digitalization:
   1. With 820 million active internet users, over half from rural areas, India can merge digital and energy systems.
   2. Prepaid smart meters and AI systems optimize energy distribution, making renewable integration more efficient.
6. Promote Circular Economy:
   1. By 2030, India’s solar energy waste may reach 600 kilotonnes, equivalent to 720 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
   2. Recycling minerals like silicon and cadmium from this waste supports environmental sustainability and energy security.
7. Center Policies Around People:
   1. Financing small-scale consumer needs, such as electric two-wheelers or rooftop solar, can create aggregated market opportunities.
   2. This approach shifts focus from power developers to end-use consumers.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key shifts needed for India’s energy transition to meet its rising power demand, as highlighted in the article.