On challenges of Renewable Energy – Solving intermittency of renewables

Source: The post on issues of Renewable Energy generation is based on the article “Solving intermittency of renewables- Emphasise the path to discovery, not a design” published in “Business standard” on 30th October 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Infrastructure (Energy)

News: The article discusses the challenges of India’s electricity system as it transitions from fossil fuels to renewables. It highlights the problem of intermittent renewable energy and suggests using fluctuating prices to balance supply and demand. The author emphasizes the importance of private investment, innovation, and allowing risk-taking in the energy sector.

What are the sources of energy? 

Sources of energy are categorized as renewable and non-renewable.

Renewable energy comes from sources that won’t run out and are naturally replenishing. They typically have a low or zero carbon footprint. Examples are wind power, solar power, bioenergy, and hydroelectric, including tidal energy. These sources are crucial for tackling climate change due to their environment-friendly nature.

On the other hand, non-renewable energy sources, like coal, natural gas, and oil, are finite. They take a long time to form and need to be extracted from the earth. When burned, they produce electricity but also release harmful greenhouse gases. These non-renewable sources have been widely used for years but are now seen as contributors to environmental issues.

Detailed article on renewable energy sources can be read here: Non conventional energy

Detailed article on India’s energy transition towards renewable energy can be read here.

What are the various business-processes in the field of electricity? 

Generation: This is the process of producing electricity. Traditional sources include fossil fuels, but there’s a shift towards renewables like solar and wind in India.

Transmission: Once generated, electricity needs to be transported to different areas. This involves large infrastructure like transmission lines.

Distribution (Retailing): This is the final stage where electricity is distributed to consumers.

Energy Storage: A newer industry emerging due to the intermittent (irregular) nature of renewable energy sources.
For example, the sun doesn’t shine during the evening peak demand, making storage crucial for continuous supply.

What are the problems of sustainable renewable energy? 

Intermittent Renewable Energy: Renewables like solar and wind are inconsistent. For example, the sun doesn’t shine during evening peak demand times.

Balancing the Grid: With more renewables, ensuring a stable power supply becomes challenging.

Traditional Solutions Aren’t Efficient: Many suggest bundling storage and generation to increase efficiency. But this is expensive and may not fit the current needs.

Mismatched Supply and Demand: Renewable generation doesn’t always match when demand is highest.

Regulated Return Rates:  The old system of fixed returns doesn’t encourage risk-taking or innovation. Modern energy projects are riskier, and traditional low returns may not be appropriate.

Uncertain Technological Future: The energy sector is evolving rapidly. It’s hard to predict the best technological solutions for the future.

What should be done to address these issues? 

1) Flexible Pricing: Use fluctuating prices to match supply and demand. High prices during peak demand can encourage reduced consumption.

2) Encourage Private Investment: Private companies can take risks and innovate.

3) Utilize Technology: Use mobile apps to show real-time electricity prices to consumers, helping them manage usage.

4) Re-evaluate Policy: Shift from traditional regulated returns policy to accommodate the riskier modern energy landscape and adjust returns accordingly.

5) Promote Energy Storage: Focus on developing energy storage solutions to manage the intermittent nature of renewables.

Question for practice:

The intermittent (irregular) nature of renewable energy sources poses a challenge to India’s energy transition. Explain. Also suggest ways to tackle these issues.