Renewable Sources of Energy

OE00036

VI SEMESTER

Mechanical Engineering Department

What are the “Greenhouse Effect” and
“Greenhouse Gases”?
A greenhouse is a structure, usually made of
glass, in which temperature and humidity can be
controlled for the cultivation or protection of
plants. A greenhouse is designed to trap heat from
the sun’s rays inside and acts to keep the plants
inside warm, even when it is cold outside.

Although the Earth does not have a layer of clear

material over it, certain molecules in our
atmosphere absorb the Earth’s heat, basically
trapping some of that energy. This is called the
greenhouse effect, and the molecules that trap the
heat are called greenhouse gases.
 Even though greenhouse gases don’t make a hard surface like the glass of a
greenhouse, but because they have a similar effect in keeping our planet warm, the
term “Greenhouse Effect” is a good description. The greenhouse effect keeps the
temperatures on our planet mild and suitable for living things.
 Greenhouse gases (GHG) include carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, ozone,
nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. These molecules in our atmosphere are called
greenhouse gases because they absorb heat. There may not be much of some of
these gases in our atmosphere, but they can have a big impact. These molecules
eventually release the heat energy and it is often absorbed by another greenhouse
gas molecule.
 More technically: Greenhouse gases effectively absorb thermal infrared radiation,
emitted by the Earth’s surface, by the atmosphere itself due to the same gases, and
by clouds. Atmospheric radiation is emitted to all sides, including downward to the
Earth’s surface. Thus, greenhouse gases trap heat within the surface-troposphere
system. This is called the greenhouse effect.
 The greenhouse effect is a good thing. It warms the planet to its comfortable
average of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) and keeps life on earth,
well, livable. Without it the world would be a frozen, uninhabitable place, more
like Mars.
 What Is the Greenhouse Effect?
 Identified by scientists as far back as 1896, the greenhouse effect is the natural
warming of the earth that results when gases in the atmosphere trap heat from
the sun that would otherwise escape into space.
 Earth’s greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere and warm the planet. The
main gases responsible for the greenhouse effect include carbon dioxide,
methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor (which all occur naturally), and
fluorinated gases (which are synthetic).
 What Are Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
 Since the start of the Industrial Revolution and the advent of coal-powered
steam engines, human activities have vastly increased the volume of
greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. It is estimated that between
1750 and 2011, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide increased by 40
percent, methane by 150 percent, and nitrous oxide by 20 percent. In the late
1920s, we started adding man-made fluorinated gases like
chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, to the mix.
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-
climate/climate-change-global-temperature
 The average global temperature for 2021 is forecast to be between 0.91 °C and
1.15 °C (with a central estimate of 1.03 °C) above the average for the pre-
industrial period (1850-1900): the seventh year in succession when
temperatures have exceeded or been close to 1.0 °C above pre-industrial levels.
 https://youtu.be/Ni0lppUr_BQ
 ENERGY SCARCITY

A severe shortage of one or more energy-producing resources, especially

petroleum
 A situation in which a service, such as the electricity supply, is not available
or cannot be provided for a temporary period , may occur.
 An energy crisis is a blockage in supply of energy resources to an economy.
 It often refers to a decrease in the supply of electricity as compared to its
demand.
 Energy crisis stems from the foreseeable end of the cycle of oil, gas and
coal, which, in addition, have been producing a considerable increase in
greenhouse gases (GHG).
 ENERGY SCARCITY

 There is a reasonable concern that there won’t be enough natural

resources in the future, we as a global society need for everyday life.
 The fact is, these resources are very much limited, and they are
diminishing as our demands rise.
 In three words, this is what we call global energy crises
 CAUSES

 Overconsumption
 It is proven that the energy crisis is a result of general overconsumption.
 Overconsumption of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, but also other non-
renewable sources like uranium.
 Based on some research, at the current rate of consumption, oil will be the
first fossil fuel to run out; there would be between 40 and 60 years of proven
reserves of conventional oil; Natural gas could be exploited for another 70
years: for coal, there would be around two centuries of reserves.
 Overpopulation
 World’s population should reach nearly 10 billion people in 2050.
 According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy
demand could increase by more than 50% by 2030 in the absence of
public policies in this area.
 The fact that experts are claiming there are too many people on our
planet is terrifying, because we do not have enough food and fuels for
all our needs.
 And no matter what type of products we are talking about, they are
all made with raw materials that drained our energy resources .
 Aging Infrastructure

 Another reason for energy shortage and scarcity is the poor

infrastructure of power generating equipment.
 Most of energy producing companies keep on using outdated
equipment that limits energy production.
 The need to upgrade the infrastructure and set a high standard of
performance is critical.
 It is the responsibility of utilities to keep on upgrading the
infrastructure and set a high standard of performance.
 Wastage of Energy

 In most parts of the world, people do not realize the importance

of conserving ENERGY. .
 Unless we give it a serious thought, things are not going to change
anytime sooner.
 Unnecessary use of energy resources- wastage of energy sources, in
particular fuels and electricity.
 Reduction of waste is a colossal source of energy savings, which requires
actions both on an individual and collective level.
 Simple things like switching off fans and lights when not in use, using
maximum daylight, walking instead of driving for short distances, using
CFL and LED instead of traditional bulbs, proper insulation for leakage
 Delay in Commissioning of Power Plants

 In a few countries, there is a significant delay in the commissioning of

new power plants that can fill the gap between demand and supply of
energy.
 Result - old plants come under huge stress to meet the daily demand for
power.
 When supply doesn’t match demand, it results in load-shedding
(shutdown of electric power in a part or parts of a power-distribution
system, generally to prevent the failure of the entire system when the
demand strains the capacity of the system) and breakdown.
 Natural Calamities and Major Accidents

 Major accidents like pipeline burst and natural calamities like the
eruption of volcanoes, floods, tornados , tsunamis, earthquakes and
similar catastrophic disasters may also cause interruptions to energy
supplies.
 These events have the power to create a big gap between demand
and supply of power, which can raise the price of energy and lead to
inflation
 Wars and Attacks

 The war between countries if we are talking about Middle East

countries like Qatar, Iran, Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait

 Duringthe 1990 Gulf war when the price of oil reached its peak
causing global shortages and created major problems for energy
consumers.
 Unexplored Renewable Energy Options

 Renewable energy still remains unused in most of the countries.

 Mostof the energy comes from non-renewable sources like coal and
remains the top choice to produce energy.

 Unless we give renewable energy a serious thought, the problem of

energy crisis cannot be solved.

 Renewable energy sources can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and
also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 Miscellaneous Factors

 Taxhikes, strikes, military coup, political events, etc. can cause a

sudden increase in demand for energy and can choke supply

 Also,extremely hot summers or really cold winters can change the

people’s need for power.

 All these can cause serious energy crises .

 Solutions
Energy Transition to Renewable Energy Sources
One of the best and sustainable ways to lower the world’s reliance on non-
renewable power sources is to turn to renewable sources like sun (solar
panels), wind, water, and steam.
 Experts are claiming that the major concern about using traditional sources
should not be the fact that they are going to run out, but that they are
continuously polluting the atmosphere and destroying other natural
resources in the process.
 Use of renewable energy is one of the best solution because there is no
emission of greenhouse gases, pollution is minimal, and it is significantly
cheaper to use hydropower, biomass energy, wind energy and the power of
the sun.
 Energy efficiency and conservation

 In order to prevent an energy crisis, it is also crucial that we consume less

energy by improving and modernizing energy infrastructure such
as smart grid solutions, and smart cities.
 It is also important that we replace old devices by energy efficient
solutions, such as replacing traditional light bulbs by LEDs and CFL.
 Don’t forget to conserve energy to – turn off the lights, turn off the fans or
air conditioning, recycle, reduce and reuse the products and their packages .
 LIGHTING CONTROLS

 First
thing is to remember to switch lights off when you are not in the
room, and the second thing is to install new technology that will help
you control the intensity and brightness of the lights.

 That way, you will save a great amount of energy.

 You can use touch dimmers, slide lighting, or integrated lighting

controls in order to conserve energy on a daily basis.
 Besides that, you will also reduce the overall lighting costs for sure .
 Perform Energy Audit and Energy Simulation

 Energy audit is a process that helps you to identify the areas where your
home or office is losing energy and what steps you can take to improve
energy efficiency.
 Energy audit, when done by a professional, can help you to reduce your
carbon footprint, save energy and money, and avoid energy crisis.
 Energy simulation software can be used by big corporates and
corporations to redesign the building unit and reduce running business
energy costs.
 Engineers, architects, and designers could use this design to come with
most energy-efficient buildings and reduce carbon footprint.
Common stand on Climate Change

 Both developed and developing countries should adopt a common

stand on climate change.
 They should focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through an
effective cross border mechanism.
 Through united actions we have a chance to reduce greenhouse gas
emission enough to slow down global warming.
 Forming this united front is extremely important for more than one
reason. First, we want to leave our children a world full of potential,
and second, we need to put a stop to this energy crisis for the sake of
our environment, but also our economy.
 Energy Resource Development

 Energy development is the field of activities focused on obtaining sources

of energy from natural resources.

 Production of conventional, alternative and renewable sources of energy

 Recovery and reuse of energy that would otherwise be wasted

 Energy conservation and efficiency measures reduce the demand for energy
development, and can have benefits to society with improvements
to environmental issues.
 Political and regulatory barriers

 Lack of policies and regulations favoring the development of

renewable energy technologies can hinder adoption of these
technologies.
 renewable energy market needs clear policies and legal procedures to
increase the interest of investors
 Private sector participation in renewable energy projects in some
countries is hindered by the lack of well-defined policies on private
investment and delays in the authorization of private sector project.
 Technical barriers

 Technical barriers to renewable energy development include inadequate technology

and lack of infrastructure necessary to support the technologies.
 Additionally, currently, in some countries, renewable energy technologies are cost-
disadvantaged compared to commonly used non-renewable technologies, such as
coal-fired production maybe because most renewable energy technologies are
imported.
 The high costs of the technologies, therefore, means that most people are more likely
to go for coal-generated energy because it is readily available hence reliable and
affordable compared to renewable energy.
 On the other hand, lack of physical facilities for transmission and distribution
networks, as well as equipment and services necessary for power companies is a
major infrastructural challenge for renewable energy development in most developing
countries.
 .
 Most of these equipment are usually not readily available in those countries and
are therefore imported from the industrialized nations .
 Because imported equipment are expensive compared to locally made, the
production of renewable energy becomes expensive and even unaffordable in
most countries.
 Most renewable energy equipment in developing countries are imported from the
developed nations, and therefore, lack of spare parts and adequate skills to
repair/service the equipment leads to equipment failure which in effect halts
the supply of energy.
 Many consumers, therefore, opt for fossil fuels because they are reliable and
readily available.
 Social-cultural barriers

 Socio-cultural barriers, for example, households’ unwillingness to adopt

renewable energy for fear of unreliability form one of the bases for failure to adopt
renewable energy technologies in some countries.
 For example, general public disinterest and disengagement in wind energy
development were identified as the main social issues hindering renewable energy
development in Saskatchewan, Canada
 Further, lack of knowledge and awareness of renewable energy technologies and
systems amongst rural communities is another challenge encountered in renewable
energy development
 For example, a majority of people in Sub-Saharan Africa are uneducated and,
therefore, they do not understand the concept of renewable energy .These
uneducated people in the region are also hardly oriented to technical and
environmental impacts associated with over-use of combustible renewables .
 Financial and economic barriers

 Initial capital cost of renewable energy is relatively high when compared to

conventional sources of energy, which in turn raises the cost of renewable
energy generation .

 Because many producers prefer to keep initial investment costs low while
maximizing profits, high costs of investment remain a significant barrier to
implementation of sustainable renewable energy solutions.

 For example, many developing countries lack adequate renewable energy

technologies and therefore, rely on imports from industrialized nations.

 .
Initial investment costs are, therefore, high and discouraging to potential investors
because imported technologies from technologically innovative and highly
developed countries are more expensive compared to technologies made locally .

 Further, the high levels of subsidies on fossil fuels in some countries raise unfair
competition to renewable energy technologies.

 For example, Malaysia is one of the countries with the highest level of subsidies on
fossil fuels, and as a result, renewable energy technologies are economically weak
to compete in the markets . This means that because there are many incentives to
acquire fossil fuels than renewable energy in most countries, many people still
stick to the use of what most favours them, fossil fuels.
 Market-related barriers
 Initial investment costs for renewable energy systems are usually high. Consequently,
market prices for these systems remain high and unaffordable to many potential
customers, especially in the developing countries .
 This is because the total production cost of renewable energy also become relatively
high compared to fossil fuels, and therefore, market prices for renewable energy remain
relatively high.
 In most cases many people prefer to go for cheaper options, renewable energy
technologies, therefore, suffer unfair market competition from fossil fuel technologies
whose establishment and operational costs are usually subsidised.
 In connection, other factors that make renewable energy technologies less competitive
or unavailable in the markets include: lack of successful and replicable renewable
energy business models to help turn small-scale projects into commercial businesses ;
inconsistent biomass supply in some areas like Europe ; lack of market for renewable
energy; and the high and fluctuating prices of renewable energy in some countries like
China.
 Geographical and ecological barriers
 Geographical location and natural conditions in a region can be a form of barrier to
renewable energy development.
 For example, the incidence of solar energy on the surface of the earth is dependent on
geographic location, therefore, in some countries like India where solar and wind energy
are sporadic, solar power is sporadic too .
 This, therefore, limits the people of such regions from the use of solar energy as it will
not be reliable.
 Additionally, as human population increases, natural resources and renewable
energy resources have continued to get scarce .
 Consequently, renewable energy resources have become expensive to obtain and
therefore expensive to produce renewable energy which then becomes unaffordable to
the consumers.
 This in effect hinders renewable energy technology development in some countries.
 Energy Resources and Classification
 An energy resource is something that can produce heat, power life, move objects, or produce
electricity.
Matter that stores energy is called a fuel.
 1. Based on Usability of Energy
 (a) Primary Energy Resources : Embodied in nature (either found or stored in nature) prior to
undergoing any human made conversions or transformations.
 Coal, Crude Oil, Sunlight, Wind, Running Rivers, Uranium, natural gas, and biomass (such as
wood)
 Generally available in raw forms – Raw energy Resources
 Located, Extracted, Explored , Processed and converted to a form required by the consumer.
 Thus some energy is spent in making the resource available to a user in a usable form.
 Energy Yield Ratio = (Energy received from raw energy source)/ (Energy spent to obtain raw
energy source)
 Resource – Energy ratio is fairly high – Considered worthy of exploration

 (b)Secondary Resources – Form of energy which are finally supplied to a consumer for utilisation
 2. Based on Traditional Use
 a. Conventional energy resources - being traditionally used for many
decades and were in common use around oil crisis of 1973 are called
conventional energy resources
 fossil fuel, nuclear and hydro resources.

 b. Non-conventional energy resources which are considered for large –

scale use after oil crisis of 1973, are called non-conventional energy sources
 solar, wind, biomass, etc.
 The 1973 oil crisis began in October 1973 when the members of the Organization of Arab
Petroleum Exporting Countries ( multi-governmental organization headquartered in Kuwait
which coordinates energy policies among oil-producing Arab nations) proclaimed an
oil embargo.
 The embargo was targeted at nations perceived as supporting Israel during the Yom Kippur War
.
 Initial nations targeted were Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the
United States with the embargo also later extended to Portugal, Rhodesia and South Africa.
 By the end of the embargo in March 1974,the price of oil had risen nearly 300%, from US$3
per barrel to nearly $12 globally; US prices were significantly higher.
 The embargo caused an oil crisis, or "shock", with many short- and long-term effects on global
politics and the global economy. It was later called the "first oil shock", followed by the
1979 oil crisis, termed the "second oil shock".
 3. Based on Long Term Availability

 a. Non – Renewable Sources - Finite and do not get replenished after th

consumption
 likely to deplete with time
 Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Resources

 b. Renewable Resources – Renewed by nature again and again

 Their supply is not affected by the rate of consumption
 Essentially inexhaustible
 Wind power, solar power, biomass power, geothermal power, tidal pow
hydroelectric power
 Based on Commercial Application

 Commercial energy sources :

 Energy sources that are available in the market for a definite price are known as
commercial energy.
 By far the most important forms of commercial energy are electricity, coal and refined
petroleum products.
 Commercial energy forms the basis of industrial, agricultural, transport and
commercial development in the modern world.
 In the industrialized countries, commercialized fuels are predominant source not only
for economic production, but also for many household tasks of general population.
 Examples: Electricity, lignite, coal, oil, natural gas etc.
 Secondary usable energy forms such as electricity, petrol, diesel, gas, etc. are essential
for commercial activities and are categorized as Commercial Energy Resources.
 B. Non- Commercial Energy Resources

 Non-commercial energy sources include fuels such as firewood, cattle dung

and agricultural wastes, which are traditionally gathered, and not bought at a
price used especially in rural households.
 Energy derived from nature and used directly without passing through a
commercial outlet.
 Firewood, agro waste in rural areas; solar energy for water heating, electricity,
generation, for drying grain, wind energy for lifting water and electricity
generation, Crop Residue.
 5. Based on Origin

 Fossil Fuel Energy

 Nuclear Energy
 Hydro Energy
 Solar Energy
 Wind Energy
 Biomass Energy
 Geothermal Energy
 Tidal Energy
 Ocean Thermal Energy
 Ocean Wave Energy
 Renewable Energy AVAILABILTY
 Five countries have nearly 73% of the world's coal reserves:
• United States—28%
• Russia—18%
• China—13%
• Australia—9%
• India—7%
• At the current rate of consumption, the approximate lifetime of the world’s
petroleum, natural gas, and coal reserves is 50 years, 52.8 years, and 153 years,
respectively. (BP Statistical Review of World Energy)
• The country with the world’s largest proven coal reserves as of 2019 was the
United States. With coal reserves amounting to nearly 249.5 billion metric tons,
the U.S. has approximately 90 billion metric tons more in proven coal reserves
IRENA's REmap programme determines the potential for countries, regions and the world to
scale up renewables
 Research carried out by scientists at Stanford University has predicted that the
. world could be run by renewable energy alone in 20-40 years.

 There are a number of countries leading the way with this, by generating a
significant proportion of the energy they use from renewable sources.
 Iceland
 Norway
 Kenya
 Uruguay
 Germany
 China
 UK
 USA
 Leading countries in installed renewable energy capacity worldwide in 2019
 India is the world's fifth-largest energy economy; Ranked 3rd on renewable
energy

 Among the top countries who are investing in, partially using or have plans to use
renewable energy in the near future, the USA is ranked 1, followed by Brazil and
India
 Energy economics studies energy resources and energy commodities, and includes:
forces motivating firms and consumers to supply, convert, transport,
use energy resources, and to dispose of residuals; market structures and regulatory
structures; distributional and environmental consequences; economically efficient use.
 Indian renewable energy sector is the fourth most attractive renewable energy
market in the world.

 India is ranked fourth in wind power, fifth in solar power and fifth in renewable
power installed capacity as of 2018.

 The government is aiming to achieve 225 GW of renewable energy capacity

(including 114 GW of solar capacity addition and 67 GW of wind power capacity)
by 2022, more than its 175 GW target as per the Paris Agreement. The
government plans to establish renewable energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030.
 Market Size

 As of October 31, 2020, the installed renewable energy capacity (how much
electricity can be generated) stood at 89.63 GW, of which solar and wind
comprised 36.31 GW and 38.26 GW, respectively. Biomass and small hydro
power constituted 10.14 GW and 4.74 GW, respectively.

 By December 2019, 15,100 megawatts (MW) of wind power projects were issued,
of which, projects of 12,162.50 MW capacity has already been awarded.
 Market Size
 Power generation from renewable energy sources in India reached 127.01 billion
units (BU) in FY20.

 In 2019, India installed 7.3 GW of solar power across the country,

establishing its position as the third-largest solar market in the world.

 With a potential capacity of 363 GW and with policies focused on the renewable
energy sector, Northern India is expected to become the hub for renewable
energy in India.
 watt-hour
 The watt-hour is a unit of energy equal to one watt of output for an hour.
 It is equal to 3,600 joules.
 While the watt is the SI unit of power, electrical power consumption is usually
measured in Kilowatt-hours for a household. Electrical energy generated by a
power plant is often measured in TWh (over the course of a year).
 1 Wh= 3.6 x103 joules
 1 kWh = 3.6 x 106 joules
 Major energy production or consumption is often expressed as terawatt-hours (TWh)
for a given period.
 A terawatt-hour is a unit of energy equal to outputting one trillion watts for one hour. It
is equal to 3.6x1015 Joules.
 This value is large enough to express annual electricity generation for entire countries,
and is often used when describing major energy production or consumption.
 Investments/ Developments
 According to the data released by Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT), More than US$ 42 billion has been invested in India’s
renewable energy sector since 2014.

 New investment in clean energy in the country reached US$ 11.1 billion in
2018.

 Some major investments and developments in the Indian renewable energy sector
are as follows:

• In November 2020, Sun Source Energy announced that it will develop a 4 MW

grid-connected floating solar PV power project, along with a 2 MW Battery
Energy Storage System (BESS) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which was won
 .
• In November 2020, The Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed a
memorandum of understanding with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, an NTPC
subsidiary to promote use of electric vehicles and set up solar power plants at
its airports.

• In October 2020, Patel Engineering announced that it has won an order

worth Rs. 1,564.42 crore (US$ 211.15 million) to build 2,000 MW Subansiri
Lower Hydro Electric project in Arunachal Pradesh.

• India added 2,320 MW of solar capacity amidst COVID-19 pandemic from

January to September 2020.
• In October 2020, Tata Power announced its plan to develop 100 MW solar project in
Dholera Solar Park of Gujarat.

• In October 2020, post approval from NITI Aayog and the Department of Investment and
Public Asset Management, NTPC set up a wholly owned company for its renewable
energy business—NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. NTPC is targeting to generate ~30% or
39 GW of its overall power capacity from renewable energy sources by 2032.

• The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) implemented large-scale central auctions
for solar parks and has awarded contracts for 47 parks with over 25 GW of combined
capacity.

• In April 2020, Vikram Solar bagged a 300 megawatt (MW) solar plant project for Rs.
1,750 crore (US$ 250.39 million) from National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd
(NTPC) under CPSU-II scheme in a reverse bidding auction.
• Adani Group aims to become the world’s largest solar power company by 2025
and. the biggest renewable energy firm by 2030.

• Around Rs. 36,729.49 crore (US$ 5.26 billion) investment was made during
April-December 2019 by private companies in renewable energy.

• ReNew Power and Shapoorji Pallonji will invest nearly Rs. 750 crore (US$ 0.11
billion) in a 150 MW floating solar power project in Uttar Pradesh.

• As of 2019, India was set to open its solar power plant, Bhadla Solar Park in
Rajasthan, which would be world’s largest solar plant with a capacity of 2,255
MW.
 Government initiatives
 Some initiatives by Government of India to boost India’s renewable energy sector are as follows:
• In August 2020, the government announced plans to offer land near its ports to companies for
building solar equipment factories.
• India plans to add 30 GW of renewable energy capacity along a desert on its western border
such as Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Delhi Government decided to shut down thermal power plant in Rajghat and develop it into
5,000 KW solar park
• Rajasthan Government, in Budget 2019-20, exempted solar energy from electricity duty and focussed
on the utilization of solar power in its agriculture and public health sectors.
• A new Hydropower policy for 2018-28 was drafted for the growth of hydro projects in the country.
• The Government of India has announced plans to implement a US$ 238 million National Mission on
advanced ultra-supercritical technologies for cleaner coal utilization.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has decided to provide custom and excise
duty benefits to the solar rooftop sector, which will lower the cost of setting up as well as
generate power, thus boosting growth.
• Indian Railways is taking increased efforts through sustained energy efficient measures and maximum
use of clean fuel to cut down emission level by 33% by 2030.
 Road Ahead
 The Government is committed to increased use of clean energy sources and is already
undertaking various large-scale sustainable power projects and promoting green energy
heavily.
 In addition, renewable energy has the potential to create many employment opportunities at all
levels, especially in rural areas.
 The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set an ambitious target to set up
renewable energy capacities to the tune of 225 GW by 2022, of which about 114 GW is
planned for solar, 67 GW for wind and other for hydro and bio among other.
 India’s renewable energy sector is expected to attract investment worth US$ 80 billion in
the next four years. About 5,000 Compressed Biogas plants will be set up across India by
2023.
 It is expected that by 2040, around 49% of the total electricity will be generated by
renewable energy as more efficient batteries will be used to store electricity, which will
further cut the solar energy cost by 66% as compared to the current cost. *
 Use of renewables in place of coal will save India Rs. 54,000 crore (US$ 8.43 billion)
annually3. Renewable energy will account for 55% of the total installed power capacity