India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Faces Challenges in Achieving Net-zero Emissions, Report Finds
A recent report by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) has shed light on the potential and obstacles facing India’s renewable energy (RE) sector. According to the report titled “Unlocking India’s Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Potential: An Assessment of Land, Water, and Climate Nexus,” India has the theoretical capacity to surpass a staggering 24,000 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy. However, the challenges of land and water scarcity, as well as population density, make it difficult to achieve even a portion of this capacity.
Currently, India’s renewable energy capacity stands at 150 GW, with an ambitious goal of reaching 1,500 GW in the near future. However, the report highlights that reaching this goal is only the first step towards India’s target of net-zero emissions by 2070. A significant obstacle to renewable energy deployment is the country’s population density. Areas with a population density below 250 people per square kilometer hold just 29% of the onshore wind potential and 27% of the solar potential. This scarcity of available land makes it challenging to expand renewable infrastructure without encroaching on inhabited areas.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the pressing issue of land disputes that hinder renewable energy development. Only 35% of onshore wind potential and 41% of solar potential reside in regions free from historical land conflicts. These disputes often result from conflicting land uses, such as agriculture and residential areas, making it challenging to secure large plots of land for renewable energy projects.
The report identifies states such as Odisha and Madhya Pradesh as vital in expanding India’s renewable energy capacity. These states possess vast low-cost solar potential and already have existing infrastructure that can support large-scale power generation and distribution.
Apart from increasing renewable energy capacity, the report highlights the importance of green hydrogen for India’s clean energy transition. Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. The report estimates that India has the potential to produce approximately 40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of green hydrogen by 2050, considering that water management challenges are effectively addressed.
However, the production of green hydrogen is contingent upon the availability and efficient management of water resources. Water is an essential component in the electrolysis process used to produce hydrogen. Addressing water management challenges, such as ensuring adequate supply and implementing sustainable water conservation practices, will be critical for India to capitalize on the potential of green hydrogen.
In conclusion, India’s renewable energy sector offers immense potential. However, achieving the desired net-zero emissions target by 2070 will require overcoming significant obstacles related to land and water scarcity, as well as population density. Addressing these challenges will involve strategic planning, land-use considerations, resolving land disputes, and prioritizing water management for the production of green hydrogen. Given its inherent benefits for the environment and economy, concerted efforts in resolving these issues will pave the way for a greener and sustainable future for India.
