India Needs 600 GW of Clean Energy by 2030 to Prevent Power Crisis

India must rapidly scale up its renewable energy capacity to meet the rising electricity demand in 2030 and reduce its reliance on coal, a Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) report published this week warned. The report warned that postponing clean energy deployment would lead to power shortages and increased reliance on coal with economic and environmental consequences.

The study compares six scenarios based on different levels of renewable energy growth and power demand. It identifies that installing at least 600 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 is the cost-effective and secure way to do so. However, trends indicate that India is unlikely to meet this target, and there are issues about future energy security.

Achieving this vision of a large share of renewables can save the system significant expense, with an estimated saving of ₹42,400 crore ($5 billion) compared to less renewable energy-based alternatives. The report emphasizes that increasing the role of renewables and storage will be vital in terms of avoiding power crises while ensuring it is cost-effective and sustainable.

Even with India's ambitious renewable targets, there are several issues holding back progress. The report mentions grid flexibility issues, slow expansion of transmission assets, and renewable energy output depending on the seasons. Additionally, policymakers are reluctant to reduce the use of coal due to apprehensions of a shortage of power. Over 30 GW of coal-based capacity is already being developed, and additional thermal power projects are on the cards in order to keep pace with consumption.

The report warns that long-term investment in coal would lock India into fossil fuel dependence and result in higher carbon emissions. Instead, it suggests investment in battery storage, flexible operation of coal plants, and demand-side management measures for enhancing the stability of the grid and energy security.

Transitioning to a high-renewable energy pathway would not only cut carbon emissions but also bring substantial economic returns. The study places the figure of renewable-focused energy transition generating 53,000-101,000 new full-time jobs. It could also help lower India's import bill, with power generation demand for coal expected to decline to 700-766 million tonnes in a high-renewable energy trajectory, compared to 950-1,000 million tonnes in a low-renewable track.

Conclusion:-

India will have to add around 56 GW of renewable capacity annually to meet its 2030 clean energy targets, far more than it is currently undertaking. The report calls for policy intervention right now, higher financial incentives, and broader transmission infrastructure to power the energy transition.

India has pledged to develop 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. However, it requires a considerable increase in policy support, investment in grid modernization, and improved energy storage mechanisms in order to achieve the target. All these hurdles would need to be overcome to create a safe, sustainable, and economically viable energy future.

Source & Credits:
Source: Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW)