Solving India's Renewable Water Paradox: Tech and Policy Solutions

India’s renewable energy boom, particularly in solar and green hydrogen, faces a significant challenge from water scarcity. With 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater, India must adopt water-efficient technologies to sustain its 500 GW renewable target by 2030. This article examines the intersection of renewable energy and water resource management.

India’s renewable energy sector relies heavily on water for solar panel cleaning, cooling systems, and green hydrogen production. Solar power plants, especially in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat, require regular cleaning to maintain efficiency, consuming significant water resources. Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis, demands large volumes of water, with estimates suggesting 9 liters of water per kilogram of hydrogen produced.

With India’s freshwater resources under strain, the renewable energy boom risks exacerbating water scarcity. The country’s water availability is projected to decline further due to climate change and population growth, with 21 cities expected to face groundwater depletion by 2030. Renewable projects in water-stressed regions must balance energy goals with sustainable water use to avoid conflicts with agriculture and domestic needs.

Technological solutions include dry-cleaning systems for solar panels, which use robotic brushes to reduce water consumption. For green hydrogen, recycling wastewater and improving electrolysis efficiency can minimize water use. Hybrid renewable projects, combining solar and wind, also reduce water dependency by leveraging wind’s minimal water requirements.

Government policies are critical to addressing this challenge. The National Water Mission promotes water conservation, while initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission improve rural water access, indirectly supporting renewable projects. Public-private partnerships can fund water-efficient technologies, ensuring that renewable energy growth aligns with sustainable resource management.

Challenges include the high costs of water-efficient systems and the need for widespread adoption across the renewable sector. Coordination between energy and water authorities is also essential to prevent resource conflicts. India’s experience can serve as a model for other water-stressed countries pursuing renewable energy expansion.

Conclusion

India’s renewable energy growth is threatened by water scarcity, particularly for solar and green hydrogen projects. By adopting water-efficient technologies and policies, India can sustain its 500 GW renewable target while managing limited water resources, setting a global example for integrated energy-water planning.

Source:India Water Portal: Renewable Energy Water Crisis