1 minEconomic Concept
Economic Concept

Green Energy

What is Green Energy?

Green Energy refers to energy derived from natural sources that are renewable and have a low environmental impact. These sources include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass.

Historical Background

The concept gained prominence with growing concerns about climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement have played a significant role in promoting green energy globally.

Key Points

9 points
  • 1.

    Reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions

  • 2.

    Promotes energy security and diversification of energy sources

  • 3.

    Creates new jobs and economic opportunities in the renewable energy sector

  • 4.

    Improves air quality and public health

  • 5.

    Requires government support through subsidies, tax incentives, and regulations

  • 6.

    Involves investments in research and development to improve the efficiency and affordability of green technologies

  • 7.

    Can be deployed in decentralized systems, such as rooftop solar panels and microgrids

  • 8.

    Supports sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

  • 9.

    Faces challenges such as intermittency, high upfront costs, and land use issues

Recent Developments

5 developments

India's ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030

Increased investments in solar power and wind energy projects

Promotion of electric vehicles and green hydrogen

Launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission

International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote solar energy globally

This Concept in News

1 topics

Frequently Asked Questions

12
1. What is Green Energy, and what are its primary sources?

Green Energy refers to energy derived from natural, renewable sources with a low environmental impact. These sources include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass.

Exam Tip

Remember the five main sources: solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass.

2. What are the key provisions associated with promoting Green Energy?

The key provisions include reducing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions, promoting energy security, diversifying energy sources, creating new jobs, improving air quality, and requiring government support through subsidies and regulations.

  • Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
  • Lowers carbon emissions
  • Promotes energy security
  • Diversification of energy sources
  • Creates new jobs
  • Improves air quality
  • Requires government support

Exam Tip

Focus on the economic and environmental benefits.

3. How does Green Energy contribute to energy security and diversification?

By utilizing multiple renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro, Green Energy reduces dependence on a single source (like fossil fuels), thus enhancing energy security and diversifying the energy mix.

Exam Tip

Consider the geopolitical implications of energy diversification.

4. What are the challenges in the implementation of Green Energy projects in India?

Challenges include high initial costs, intermittency of renewable sources (like solar and wind), land acquisition issues, grid integration problems, and the need for technological advancements and skilled labor.

Exam Tip

Think about the practical difficulties faced on the ground.

5. What is the legal framework governing Green Energy in India?

Green Energy is governed by the Environment Protection Act 1986, the Electricity Act 2003, and various policies and regulations promoting renewable energy. Article 48A of the Constitution mandates the state to protect and improve the environment.

Exam Tip

Focus on the key acts and constitutional articles related to environmental protection.

6. How does India's Green Energy approach compare with other countries?

India has set ambitious renewable energy targets (500 GW by 2030). India's approach focuses on large-scale solar and wind projects, along with promoting electric vehicles and green hydrogen. Comparison with other countries requires analysis of specific policies and achievements.

Exam Tip

Consider the specific targets and policies of different countries.

7. What are the limitations of Green Energy?

Limitations include intermittency (solar and wind depend on weather), high initial costs, land use requirements, storage challenges, and the need for grid infrastructure upgrades.

Exam Tip

Consider both technical and economic limitations.

8. What is the significance of Green Energy for India's sustainable development?

Green Energy is crucial for reducing carbon emissions, mitigating climate change, improving air quality, and ensuring long-term energy security, all of which are essential for sustainable development.

Exam Tip

Relate Green Energy to the broader goals of sustainable development.

9. What reforms have been suggested to promote Green Energy adoption in India?

Suggested reforms include streamlining regulatory processes, providing financial incentives (subsidies, tax breaks), investing in grid infrastructure, promoting research and development, and raising public awareness.

Exam Tip

Consider the role of both government and private sector.

10. What is India's target for renewable energy capacity by 2030?

India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Exam Tip

Remember this number for prelims.

11. What are some frequently asked aspects of Green Energy in UPSC exams?

Frequently asked aspects include the significance of green energy for India's sustainable development, the challenges involved in its implementation, and the policies to promote it.

Exam Tip

Focus on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

12. What is the future of Green Energy in India?

The future of Green Energy in India looks promising, with increasing investments, technological advancements, and policy support. India is likely to play a significant role in the global transition to clean energy.

Exam Tip

Consider the long-term trends and potential disruptions.

Source Topic

Uttarakhand's Focus on Heritage and Development for Viksit Bharat

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment, Economic Development). Questions can be asked about the significance of green energy for India's sustainable development, the challenges involved, and the policies to promote it.