Where India stands
- ~200 GW renewable capacity (incl. large hydro) 2024.
- Solar tariffs collapsed to ~₹2.4/kWh — among the world's lowest.
- Wind reforms — reverse auctions, offshore-wind push (Gujarat, Tamil Nadu).
Policy stack
- National Solar Mission (2010); PLI for solar modules (₹24,000 cr).
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) — ₹19,744 cr outlay.
- Green Energy Corridor, ISTS waiver.
Constraints
- Intermittency & storage — BESS auctions, pumped hydro.
- DISCOM losses — RDSS.
- Domestic manufacturing depth for cells, wafers, polysilicon.
International play
- International Solar Alliance — HQ Gurugram; One Sun One World One Grid.
- Green Grids Initiative at COP26 with UK.
- Just Energy Transition Partnerships — India's stance.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not equate 'renewable' with 'solar' — hydro, wind, biomass, small hydro and hydrogen all count.
FAQs
- Best PYQ-safe headline?
- 'India met its 2030 NDC target of 40% non-fossil installed capacity in 2021 — nine years ahead of schedule.'
UPSC Mains PYQs on this microtheme
- Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective ? Explain.📅 2022 · 📌 15
- Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?📅 2020 · 📌 15
- With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy pro- gramme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.📅 2018 · 📌 15
- Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.📅 2018 · 📌 10
- Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).📅 2016 · 📌 12.5
- To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry?📅 2015 · 📌 12.5
- Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conven- tional energy.📅 2013 · 📌 10
- What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it differ- ent from any other hydroelectricity project?📅 2013 · 📌 5