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Subject: Renewable Energy Sector

  • El Niño to Dent India’s Wind & Hydropower Output

    Why in the News?

    The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) projects an 18 TWh clean-power shortfall for India by June 2027, driven by El Niño-linked weakness in wind and hydropower output and rising cooling demand. The finding exposes a gap between the record renewable capacity India has installed and the storage needed to actually deliver that capacity as power, forcing the shortfall to be filled by coal.

    What has changed in India’s exposure to this El Niño cycle?

    1. Monsoon deficit: June rainfall closed with an all-India deficit of about 40%, the fifth-lowest June since 1901, with the cumulative shortfall at 20% below normal by July 6.
    2. IMD forecast: The India Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal southwest monsoon rainfall at 90% of the long-period average, with a 60% chance of a deficient season.
    3. Generation gap: CREA projects a median shortfall of 17.7 TWh and a severe-case shortfall of 24 TWh, against India’s total 2025-26 generation of about 1,846 billion units.
    4. Emissions cost: A coal-led response to the gap would release an estimated 17 million tonnes of additional carbon dioxide.

    Is this a capacity shortfall or a utilisation shortfall?

    1. Record capacity base: Non-fossil installed capacity reached 283.46 GW by March 31, including 150.26 GW of solar and 56.09 GW of wind.
    2. Record additions: India added 44.6 GW of solar and 6 GW of wind capacity in 2025-26 alone.
    3. Curtailment: Grid operators curtailed about 2.1 TWh of solar and wind generation last year to keep coal plants running.
    4. Storage gap: CREA estimates roughly 10 GWh of battery storage could have averted this curtailment.

    Why does the response default to coal rather than storage?

    1. Coal’s continuing weight: Coal remains about 42% of installed capacity even as coal generation fell 3.69% over the year.
    2. New coal pipeline: India is adding around 130 GW of new coal capacity to buffer peak demand, such as the 270.82 GW peak recorded on May 21.
    3. Policy diagnosis: CREA director Nandikesh Sivalingam states India must move faster on batteries and grid upgrades to meet future demand surges.
    4. Dispatch logic: Coal capacity can be dispatched on demand without storage investment, making it the default buffer despite its emissions cost.

    Conclusion

    India’s projected clean-power shortfall is a storage and grid-integration deficit, not a generation deficit. The 130 GW of new coal capacity being planned addresses the symptom of demand variability, not the missing battery and transmission investment needed to convert installed renewable capacity into reliable output. Without storage scaling alongside capacity addition, each future El Niño cycle will repeat the same coal fallback and its emissions cost.

  • What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?

  • Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy.

  • To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?

  • Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting diodes (LEDs).

  • “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.

    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.

  • Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?

    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).

  • Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain.

    Under panchamrit Targets at COP26, India committed to achieving 50 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil (clean and renewable) sources by 2030.

    Progress towards 50% energy needs from renewables – Justification

    Non-fossil capacity reached around 50% of installed capacity in 2025, ahead of the 2030 deadline.

    India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, 4th in Wind Power capacity and 3rd in Solar Power capacity (as per IRENA RE Statistics 2025).

    India focuses on five key priorities to achieve its 2030 target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity.

    Better Contracts: Long-term power deals to attract investors.

    Stronger Grids: Modern grids and battery storage for steady power supply.

    Make in India: Boosting local production of solar panels and wind turbines.

    Smart Land Use: Using land wisely with floating solar and solar on farms.

    Easy Financing: Making funds available to support clean energy projects.

    Government efforts

    National Solar Mission – Expansion of solar capacity at utility and rooftop level.

    PM-KUSUM – Solarisation of agricultural pumps and rural feeders.

    National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy – Maximises land and grid utilisation.

    PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana – Accelerates residential rooftop solar.

    Institutional mechanisms

    Green Grids Initiative under OSOWOG

    BEE and PAT Scheme – Promote energy efficiency.

    Economic incentives

    PLI Scheme for Solar PV Modules and Batteries

    Viability Gap Funding and Capital Subsidies

    Green bonds for clean energy projects.

    Global efforts and partnerships

    Technology transfer and funding through ISA, IBSA, G20

    Participation in Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) and multilateral climate funds.

    Challenges

    Policy inconsistency (continued approval of coal plants) weakens investor confidence in renewables.

    Financial Challenges

    India needs nearly

    High upfront capital costs and slow RoI discourage private investors.

    Limited availability of low-cost green finance for small and medium developers.

    Intermittency issue and limited energy storage solutions.

    Grid integration problems due to weak transmission and distribution.

    Import Dependence. Eg- China supplied ~56% of India’s solar cells in FY2024. 100% import-dependent for lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, copper.

    Skilled manpower shortage in advanced RE technologies.

    Land & Environmental Constraints – Eg- Sillahalla Hydro Project (Tamil Nadu) raised concerns over biodiversity loss and displacement.

    E-Waste – No comprehensive solar recycling policy or sufficient recycling infrastructure

    Delayed payments and PPA renegotiations/cancellations coupled with weak financial capacity of DISCOMS impact market stability

    How shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables will help

    Level playing field – Removing fossil-fuel subsidies makes RE more competitive and attractive.

    Lower cost of clean energy – Redirected subsidies can reduce tariffs of solar and wind

    Crowding in private investment due to higher returns and lower risk

    Savings can be used for battery storage, smart grids, green corridors and EV charging networks.

    Reduced fossil fuel demand due to higher prices

    Global leadership – Strengthens India’s position in climate negotiations and green diplomacy.

    Way Forward

    Optimize Land and Water Resources – Eg- Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park.

    Develop Renewable Energy Clusters with single-window clearances and fiscal incentives.

    Leverage Emerging Technologies – Eg- blockchain-based P2P renewable energy trading

    Expand Renewable Infrastructure – Scale rooftop solar, microgrids and solar pumps for rural electrification and off-grid solutions.

    Circular Waste-to-Energy Parks using anaerobic digestion, gasification and pyrolysis. Eg- Jamnagar

    India’s energy transition can help realise SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

  • [20th June 2026] The Hindu OpED: India’s cheapest power is here, the grid must catch up

    PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2013] Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy.
    Linkage: The question examines the role of transmission infrastructure in enabling large-scale renewable energy integration.The article shows that transmission bottlenecks, not generation capacity, have become the main constraint on India’s clean-energy transition, reinforcing the importance of the Green Energy Corridor.

    Mentor’s Comment

    India now produces some of the world’s cheapest solar and wind power, yet more than 50 GW of completed renewable capacity remains stranded not because projects are unfinished, but because grid connectivity and transmission is unavailable.

    Why Has Transmission Become the Binding Constraint in India’s Energy Transition?

    1. Cheapest Source of Power: Solar and wind have emerged as India’s lowest-cost electricity sources, with firm clean power available at around ₹3.5 per kWh when paired with storage.
    2. Rapid Renewable Expansion: India added over 45 GW of renewable capacity in 2025 and currently has about 250 GW installed, with another 100 GW under construction.
    3. Existing Base and Pipeline: India currently has about 250 GW of renewable capacity installed and another 100 GW under construction, indicating that transmission expansion is lagging generation growth.
    4. Stranded Renewable Capacity: More than 50 GW of completed renewable projects remain unable to evacuate power due to transmission shortages.
    5. Mismatch in Project Timelines: Renewable projects can be commissioned within 12-18 months, whereas transmission corridors often require 3-5 years.
    6. Future Scale Requirement: India may require nearly 2,000 GW of renewable capacity by 2050 to meet rising electricity demand and electrification goals.

    How Can Existing Grid Assets Unlock Nearly 1,000 GW of Additional Clean Energy?

    1. Storage at Renewable Sites: Batteries can store surplus daytime generation and supply power during evening peaks, significantly increasing utilisation of existing transmission lines.
    2. Reuse of Coal Corridors: Underutilised transmission infrastructure connected to coal plants can be shared with renewable projects, unlocking the equivalent of nearly 100 GW of clean-energy capacity.
    3. Leveraging Existing Substations: Available capacity at transmission substations can accommodate additional renewable connections and support battery integration, enabling another 100 GW equivalent.
    4. Reconductoring Existing Lines: Replacing older conductors with high-temperature, low-sag conductors can nearly double power-carrying capacity on the same towers.
    5. Combined Impact: Storage, shared infrastructure, and reconductoring together can unlock more than 1,000 GW of clean-energy potential within the existing transmission footprint.

    Does Better Grid Utilisation Solve the Problem or Merely Defer It?

    1. Fastest Short-Term Solution: Grid optimisation can be deployed within months and quickly connect stranded renewable projects.
    2. Not a Substitute for Expansion: Existing infrastructure alone cannot support India’s projected renewable requirement of 2,000 GW.
    3. Scale Limitation: Future renewable parks and industrial electrification will require entirely new transmission corridors.
    4. Sequencing Advantage: Optimisation provides immediate relief while larger transmission projects are planned and executed.
    5. Grid Expansion Imperative: India plans a 40% expansion of its transmission network over the next decade, costing more than $100 billion. New corridors must incorporate advanced conductors and storage compatibility to avoid recreating future bottlenecks.
    6. Core Tension: The cheapest and fastest solution is grid optimisation, but the durable solution remains large-scale transmission expansion. Both approaches are necessary.

    What Regulatory and Policy Changes Are Needed?

    1. Storage-Linked Renewable Planning: Regulators should promote greater integration of storage with renewable projects to improve grid utilisation.
    2. State-Level Implementation: States and distribution utilities must incorporate storage and grid-efficiency measures into procurement and planning decisions.
    3. Technology-Oriented Procurement: Procurement norms should reward advanced transmission technologies that expand capacity without requiring new corridors.
    4. Integrated Infrastructure Planning: Renewable energy zones and transmission corridors should be developed in a coordinated manner.
    5. Future-Proof Transmission Design: New transmission infrastructure should be designed for significantly higher renewable penetration from the outset.

    What Does International Experience Reveal About Transmission Bottlenecks?

    1. United States: Delays in connecting renewable projects to the grid have emerged as a major obstacle to the clean-energy transition.
    2. Europe: Several European countries face similar transmission constraints despite substantial renewable deployment.
    3. Common Lesson: Cheap renewable generation alone does not guarantee energy transition success unless transmission capacity keeps pace.
    4. India’s Advantage: A unified national grid and a strong record of transmission expansion provide India with an opportunity to avoid similar bottlenecks.

    Conclusion

    India’s energy transition has moved from a generation challenge to a transmission challenge. The fastest gains lie in optimising existing grid infrastructure through storage, shared transmission assets, and reconductoring, which together can unlock nearly 1,000 GW of additional clean-energy potential. However, optimisation only buys time; achieving India’s long-term renewable ambitions requires simultaneous investment in new, high-capacity transmission corridors. India’s success will depend on pursuing both tracks together.

  • Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) & National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) to ensure transparent certification and regulatory compliance for green hydrogen production.

    GHCI

    • Developed by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).
    • Certifies green hydrogen under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI Scheme).
    • Enhances transparency, traceability, and market credibility.

    National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

    • Launched in 2023.
    • Outlay: ₹19,744 crore.

    Targets by 2030

    • 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production.
    • 125 Gigawatt (GW) dedicated renewable energy capacity.
    • ₹8 lakh crore investment.
    • 6 lakh jobs.
    • Reduction of 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually.

    Key Progress

    • 6 States have dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies; 7 States have integrated hydrogen into existing policies.
    • Incentives awarded to 15 companies for 3,000 MW (Megawatt) per year electrolyser manufacturing capacity.
    • Under SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition), incentives approved for 8.62 lakh Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of green hydrogen production.
    • Contracts awarded for 30,000 MTPA green hydrogen supply to refineries.
    • Agreements signed for 6.7 lakh MTPA of Green Ammonia supply to 11 fertilizer plants.
    • ₹84 crore sanctioned for hydrogen injection pilot projects in the steel sector.
    • ₹208 crore allocated for 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles and 9 refuelling stations.
    • ₹113 crore allocated for Research and Development (R&D) projects.
    • ₹100 crore startup fund; first 9 startups approved with ₹22 crore support.

    Green Hydrogen

    • Hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy.
    • A zero-carbon fuel for sectors such as steel, fertilizers, refineries, shipping, and heavy transport.

    [2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:
    1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
    2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
    3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None