Clean Energy

Clean energy refers to energy sources that do not release pollutants into the environment. The main goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, ensure energy security, and promote environmental protection by transitioning away from fossil fuels.

The different types of clean energy include:

• •Solar power: Uses sunlight to generate electricity.
• •Wind power: Harnesses the kinetic energy of wind.
• •Hydropower: Uses the energy of flowing water.
• •Geothermal energy: Taps into the Earth's internal heat.
• •Biomass energy: Uses organic matter for fuel.

The concept of clean energy gained prominence in the late 20th century due to growing concerns about air pollution and climate change. The 1973 oil crisis highlighted the need for energy independence. The Kyoto Protocol (1997) emphasized the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Key provisions related to clean energy include:

• •Clean energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
• •Solar power uses photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity.
• •Wind power harnesses the kinetic energy of wind using wind turbines.
• •Hydropower uses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity.
• •Geothermal energy taps into the Earth's internal heat.

The Environment Protection Act, 1986 provides a framework for environmental protection, including promoting clean energy. The Electricity Act, 2003 encourages the development of renewable energy sources. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) outlines India's strategy for addressing climate change.

Recent developments include:

• •India has set a target to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
• •The government is promoting the development of green hydrogen as a clean energy source.
• •There is increasing investment in solar power projects across the country.

Challenges in implementing clean energy projects include:

• •High initial costs of setting up renewable energy infrastructure.
• •Intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
• •Land acquisition issues for large-scale projects.
• •Lack of adequate grid infrastructure to transmit renewable energy.

India is rapidly expanding its clean energy sector and has set ambitious renewable energy targets. However, some countries have more advanced technologies and infrastructure for renewable energy integration. India faces unique challenges due to its large population and energy demand.

Clean energy is significant for the Indian economy because it:

• •Reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports, enhancing energy security.
• •Creates new jobs in the renewable energy sector.
• •Reduces air pollution and improves public health.
• •Contributes to India's climate change mitigation efforts.

Limitations of hydropower include:

• •Environmental impact on river ecosystems.
• •Displacement of local communities due to dam construction.
• •Dependence on rainfall patterns and water availability.
• •High initial investment costs.

The future of clean energy in India is promising, with increasing investments, technological advancements, and supportive government policies. India is expected to play a leading role in the global transition to a clean energy economy.

Solar power uses photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity. It is becoming increasingly affordable due to technological advancements, economies of scale, and government subsidies. The cost of solar panels has significantly decreased over the past decade.