What is Renewable Energy Sector & India's Targets?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Target: Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 (as announced at COP26).
- 2.
Target: Meet 50% of energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
- 3.
Target: Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
- 4.
Target: Achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.
- 5.
Key sources: Solar power (photovoltaic, concentrated solar power), Wind power (onshore, offshore), Hydro power (large and small), Biomass energy, Waste-to-Energy.
- 6.
Government schemes: PM-KUSUM, Solar Rooftop Programme, National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, Green Energy Corridor.
- 7.
Challenges: Intermittency, grid integration, land acquisition, financing, transmission infrastructure, and storage solutions.
- 8.
Benefits: Energy security, reduced carbon footprint, job creation, rural electrification, and reduced import dependence.
Visual Insights
Evolution of India's Renewable Energy Policy & Targets (1980s-2025)
This timeline traces the significant milestones and policy shifts in India's renewable energy sector, from its nascent stages to its current ambitious targets and strategic initiatives.
India's renewable energy journey has evolved from initial exploratory efforts to a strategic national priority, driven by energy security concerns, climate commitments, and technological advancements. This timeline shows the policy and target evolution leading to the current focus on green hydrogen and energy storage.
- 1980sEstablishment of Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES), early RE promotion.
- 2003Electricity Act enacted, mandating Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) and promoting Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
- 2010Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) launched, kickstarting large-scale solar deployment.
- 2015Paris Agreement signed; India submits Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- 2016National Tariff Policy amended to promote RE, 'Must Run' status for RE plants.
- 2021COP26: India pledges 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.
- 2023National Green Hydrogen Mission launched; Green Open Access Rules notified.
- 2024Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) announced; Offshore Wind Energy Policy framework developed.
- 2025Rapid deployment of hybrid RE projects with storage; Green Hydrogen Hubs operationalizing.
Recent Developments
6 developmentsRapid increase in installed renewable energy capacity, crossing 175 GW (excluding large hydro).
Focus on hybrid renewable energy projects (wind-solar) with energy storage.
Development of offshore wind energy policy.
Introduction of Green Open Access Rules to promote renewable energy procurement.
Increased private sector investment and international funding in the sector.
Emphasis on domestic manufacturing under 'Make in India' for solar modules and wind turbines.