Q. 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.

Model Answer: 

India’s Target for Renewable Energy

India has set a target to achieve 50% of its energy needs from renewable energy sources by 2030. The country has made significant progress in this direction, but whether it can achieve this target is debatable. In my opinion, it is possible for India to meet 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, and here are some reasons to support this claim:

Rapid Growth in Renewable Energy Capacity

India has seen a rapid growth in renewable energy capacity in recent years. The country has become one of the world’s largest producers of solar energy, and wind energy capacity has also been increasing steadily. This trend is likely to continue, as the Indian government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy capacity addition.

Declining Cost of Renewable Energy

The cost of renewable energy has been declining steadily, making it more competitive with traditional sources of energy. This is particularly true for solar energy, which has seen a sharp decline in the cost of photovoltaic cells in recent years. As the cost of renewable energy continues to decline, it will become more attractive for businesses and households to adopt renewable energy solutions.

Supportive Government Policies

The Indian government has been actively promoting renewable energy through various policies and initiatives. These include the National Solar Mission, the National Wind Energy Mission, and the Green Energy Corridors project, among others. These policies provide incentives and support for the adoption of renewable energy solutions, which will help to drive growth in the sector.

Shift of Subsidies from Fossil Fuels to Renewables

One of the key factors that can help India achieve its target of 50% renewable energy by 2030 is the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables. Here’s how:

Incentivizing Investment in Renewables

By shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables, the Indian government can incentivize investment in renewable energy projects. This can help to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions and drive growth in the sector.

Encouraging Innovation

Subsidies can also be used to encourage innovation in the renewable energy sector. For example, the government could provide subsidies for research and development in renewable energy technologies, which could help to drive down costs and improve efficiency.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Subsidies for fossil fuels are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By shifting subsidies to renewables, the Indian government can help to reduce emissions and meet its climate goals. This could have a significant impact on the environment and help to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Example: Gujarat’s Solar Power Policy

Gujarat’s Solar Power Policy is a good example of how subsidies can be used to drive growth in the renewable energy sector. The policy provides incentives for the installation of solar power projects, including a feed-in tariff for solar power generation, capital subsidies for solar power plants, and exemptions from electricity duty and taxes. These incentives have helped to make Gujarat one of the leading states in India for solar power generation, with a total installed capacity of over 3,800 MW as of March 2021.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India has set an ambitious target to achieve 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. While this target is challenging, it is possible to achieve it with the right policies and incentives. Shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables can help to drive growth in the renewable energy sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Examples like Gujarat’s Solar Power Policy show how subsidies can be used effectively to promote renewable energy and achieve sustainability goals.