It doesn’t come as a surprise that India is one of the world’s largest energy consumers. But with a burgeoning population, looming climate change, and a massive carbon footprint, it becomes imperative for the country to transition to cleaner, greener energy. For India, the renewable energy revolution is not just a strategy to address environmental concerns but a critical path to achieving energy security and driving economic growth.
Fortunately, our nation’s vast solar, wind, and hydro potential presents an unmatched opportunity to reshape our energy landscape. In line with global efforts to combat climate change, India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy generation by 2030 that signal its commitment to leading the transition towards a greener future. Let us break down these targets and understand how India plans to achieve them.
India’s Renewable Energy Target for 2030
India’s RE goals for 2030 find their roots in the Paris Agreement and global climate agenda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made clear our intentions to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 at the COP26 summit. This bold target puts the country at the forefront of the green power revolution that is afoot worldwide.
Beyond capacity targets, India also aims to meet 50% of its total energy needs from non-fossil fuels, thereby reducing its dependence on coal and oil. Additionally, the country is committed to reducing the carbon intensity by 45% from 2005 levels. This is in line with our broader vision of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
India’s Renewable Energy Goals Across Various RE Sources
India’s RE target of 500 GW by 2030 spans across various renewable energy sources, each of which will contribute to the country’s clean energy ambitions.
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Solar Energy
The key to India’s renewable energy roadmap is capitalizing on its abundant sunlight and generating solar energy. By 2030, India aims to install 280 GW of solar energy, accounting for over half of the total targeted renewable energy capacity. This will include both large-scale solar farms and rooftop solar installations. Currently, several companies, including Jindal India Renewables are manufacturing grid-connected and off-grid solar power systems.
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Wind Energy
Wind energy is the second largest contributor to India’s renewable energy targets. The country aims to produce 140 GW of wind energy by 2030. Focusing on both onshore and offshore wind energy projects, India is leveraging its vast coastline and windy regions like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. In fact, offshore wind projects have been gaining momentum, with several government policies aiming to accelerate growth in this sector.
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Hydropower
Besides an abundance and sunlight and wind, India is also blessed with a vast river network. This puts the country in a position to tap into the river systems to harness hydropower. The goal is to produce 5 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Small and large hydro projects are being developed to increase capacity and ensure a more stable power supply, especially in regions where solar and wind power may be less consistent.
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Bioenergy and Other Sources
In addition to the solar, wind, and hydro, bioenergy and waste-to-energy projects are underway to contribute to the total renewable energy target. Although smaller in capacity, these innovative technologies can help address waste management as well as energy generation. Government initiatives like the National Bioenergy Programme and subsidies for waste-to-energy plants have also encouraged several renewable energy companies in India to develop these technologies.
Final Thoughts
India’s ambitious target for renewable energy generation in 2030 is more than just a number; it represents a commitment to a sustainable future for the nation as well as the world. With a goal to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 while reducing carbon emissions, India is on a cleaner, greener path to revolutionizing its energy landscape. While there are several challenges to counter, the strides being made in solar, wind, and hydropower offer a ray of hope.
