GS Paper: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

The SDGs recognise energy as a foundational driver of human development. SDG-7 emphasises ensuring affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Importance of Energy for SDGs

SDG 1 & 2 – Affordable energy reduces poverty and improves food security through irrigation, cold chains. Eg- Solar pumps under PM-KUSUM

SDG 3 – Clean cooking reduces indoor air pollution and respiratory diseases. Eg- 10 Cr LPG connections under PM Ujjwala

SDG 4 – Electrification improves learning outcomes and digital access. Eg- Electrification of over 1 lakh schools under Saubhagya Scheme

SDG 8 – Creates green jobs and boosts industrial productivity. Eg- India’s renewable industry employs over 3.7 lakh workers

SDG 9 – Supports innovation and sustainable infrastructure. Eg- Green Hydrogen Mission

SDG 10 – Reduces inequality through universal access. Eg- Rural electrification through DDU Gram Jyoti Yojana

SDG 13 – Clean energy drives climate change mitigation.

SDG 5 – Clean cooking reduces drudgery of women and improves participation in the workforce.

Progress Made by India in Energy

Clean Cooking Energy – PM-Ujjwala raised LPG coverage to 99% of households.

Renewable Energy Expansion

India ranks 4th globally in renewable capacity.

244+ GW installed RE capacity (50% of total demand)

Energy Efficiency Gains- PAT, BEE standards saved significant electricity and reduced CO₂ emissions.

Global Leadership

International Solar Alliance (ISA) promotes global solar cooperation.

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) integrates climate-resilient energy systems.

New Technologies – National Green Hydrogen Mission to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen by 2030.

Updated NDC Commitments

45% reduction in emission intensity of GDP by 2030.

50% electricity from non-fossil sources.

Net Zero by 2070.

Challenges

Import Dependency: over 85% of its crude oil and 50% of its natural gas

Financing Needs: $160 billion per year to meet 2070 goal ((IEA)).

Rising Energy Demand: double by 2040

High DISCOM losses affect reliable supply.

Affordability concerns – rising LPG refill prices.

Land acquisition issues for solar/wind parks.

Going forward, technology integration, financial reforms, domestic manufacturing, and a just transition is needed for Energy Security.

India ranks 3rd globally in Solar Power capacity, (IRENA 2025) with 1.16 GW production. Solar energy is critical for objective of 500 GW of clean energy by 2030.

Benefits of Deriving Electric Energy from Sunlight vs Conventional Energy Generation

Sunlight is inexhaustible, unlike fossil fuels that are finite and depleting. India receives 4-7 kWh/m²/day solar radiation.

Enhances Energy Security – Reduces dependence on imported coal, oil, and gas. (India imports over 85% of crude oil)

Once installed, solar projects have minimal maintenance and no fuel cost, unlike thermal plants dependent on continuous coal supply.

Decentralised and Inclusive – Solar energy supports off-grid and rooftop systems. Eg- Solar Pumps under PM Kusum

Promotes Improved Public Health – Solar reduces air pollution-related diseases linked with thermal power. Eg- asthma, cardiovascular illnesses.

Solar energy is critical for achieving India’s NDC targets of 50% non-fossil electricity by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.

Generates Green Jobs in solar manufacturing, installation, maintenance. India’s RE sector employs 3.7 lakh+ workers (IRENA 2024).

Government Initiatives to Promote Solar Energy in India

National Solar Mission – Target of 280 GW solar capacity by 2030.

PM-KUSUM Scheme – Promotes solar pumps and solarisation of agricultural feeders.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (2024) – Supports rooftop solar installation for households with subsidy and free electricity up to 300 units/month.

Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects – Eg- Bhadla (Rajasthan) and Pavagada (Karnataka). (target of 40 GW by March 2026)

PLI Scheme – Encourages domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar PV modules and cells.

Green Energy Corridor – Strengthens transmission infrastructure.

International Solar Alliance (ISA) – India’s global initiative to promote solar energy in tropical countries.

Solar Cities Programme – Promotes solar-based infrastructure in urban and semi-urban areas.

PM JANMAN: electrifying one lakh un-electrified households in Tribal and PVTG habitations across 18 states

State-level initiatives

SMART Solar Scheme (Maharashtra) – Offers subsidies up to 95% for 1 kW rooftop solar system

Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam (Telangana) – 100% subsidy for solar-powered irrigation systems

These initiatives underscore India’s vision of inclusive, secure, and clean energy for all (SDG -7).