India has been facing severe environmental challenges, including air pollution and climate change for the last couple of years. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, which help to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution, thereby improving public health. India currently relies heavily on imported fossil fuels like coal and oil to meet its energy needs. By investing in renewable energy sources that are abundant domestically, such as solar and wind power, India can increase its energy security and reduce its dependency on imported fuels, thereby mitigating the risks associated with volatile international energy markets. Transitioning to renewable energy can stimulate economic growth by creating new job opportunities in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure. Additionally, investing in renewable energy technologies can encourage innovation and attract investment, driving economic development in related sectors.
The costs of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar and wind power, have decreased significantly in recent years, making them increasingly competitive with fossil fuels. Switching to renewables can help India reduce its reliance on expensive imported fossil fuels and stabilize energy prices in the long term. Many renewable energy projects, such as small-scale solar installations and decentralized wind farms, can be implemented in rural areas, providing electricity to communities that are currently underserved by the grid. This can improve living standards, stimulate economic activity, and empower rural communities. India is a signatory to several international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Transitioning to renewable energy is essential for India to fulfil its commitments under these agreements and demonstrate leadership in the global fight against climate change. Overall, transitioning to renewable energy is not only essential for addressing India’s energy and environmental challenges but also offers significant opportunities for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Fig: 1
As of March 31, 2023, India possesses significant potential for generating renewable energy from various sources, including wind, solar, biomass, small hydro, and cogeneration bagasse. The total estimated potential for renewable power generation in the country stands at 2,109,654 MW. This comprises solar power potential accounting for 35.50% (748,990 MW), wind power potential at 150m hub height representing 55.17% (1,163,856 MW), large hydropower constituting 6.32% (133,410 MW), small hydropower (SHP) potential at 1% (21,134 MW), biomass power at 1.35% (28,447 MW), and 0.66% (13,818 MW) from bagasse-based cogeneration in sugar mills. The estimated potential of renewable power generation in India is predominantly powered by wind and solar energy, collectively representing an estimated 91% of the nation’s renewable energy sources (fig: 1).
Fig: 2
As of March 31, 2023, Rajasthan leads in the estimated potential of renewable power, accounting for approximately 20.3% (428,322 MW). Following Rajasthan, Maharashtra holds the second position with 11.79% (248,665 MW). Gujarat and Karnataka closely trail behind, capturing 10.45% (220,505 MW) and 9.75% (205,648 MW) respectively. Together, these four states collectively represent over 52% of India’s total potential for renewable power (fig: 2).
Wind power at 150m refers to the potential for generating electricity from wind turbines placed at a hub height of 150 meters above the ground level. This height is significant because it represents a relatively high altitude for wind turbines, allowing them to access stronger and more consistent wind speeds compared to turbines installed at lower heights. Rajasthan (24.4%), Gujarat (15.5%), Maharashtra (14.9%), Karnataka (14.5%), and Andhra Pradesh (10.6%) emerge as key players in generating electricity from wind, jointly representing nearly 80% of the estimated potential.
Small Hydro Power (SHP) refers to the generation of electricity through the utilization of hydropower resources on a smaller scale compared to conventional large hydroelectric power plants. SHP systems typically have a capacity of up to 10 megawatts (MW), although definitions may vary by country or region. Karnataka (17.6%) and Himachal Pradesh (16.4%) lead the pack with the highest estimated potential. Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, and Uttarakhand also show promising SHP potential, contributing to India’s decentralized energy generation efforts.
Fig: 3
Biomass power refers to the generation of electricity or heat from organic materials derived from plants and animals. These organic materials, known as biomass, can include wood, agricultural residues, animal waste, municipal solid waste, and dedicated energy crops. Biomass power plants use various conversion technologies to harness the energy stored in these organic materials and convert it into electricity, heat, or biofuels. Punjab (10.6%), Uttar Pradesh (9.8%), Gujarat (9.3%), and Maharashtra (9.2%) showcase significant potential in biomass-based electricity generation. Madhya Pradesh also plays a notable role, leveraging organic materials to contribute to the renewable energy mix.
Cogeneration, also known as combined heat and power (CHP), is a highly efficient process that simultaneously generates electricity and useful thermal energy (such as steam or hot water) from a single fuel source. One common application of cogeneration is in the sugar industry, where bagasse, the fibrous residue left after sugarcane is crushed to extract juice, is used as a fuel to produce both electricity and heat. Uttar Pradesh (35.6%), Maharashtra (28.3%), and Karnataka (12.8%) stand out in utilizing bagasse for cogeneration, primarily within the sugar industry. The efficient utilization of bagasse underscores these states’ commitment to sustainable energy practices.
Solar energy is radiant energy emitted by the sun, which can be harnessed and converted into usable forms of power, typically electricity or heat. It is one of the most abundant and readily available renewable energy sources on Earth. Rajasthan (19%) and Jammu & Kashmir (14.8%) lead in solar energy potential, leveraging abundant sunlight for electricity generation. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh follow closely, further diversifying India’s solar energy portfolio.
Large hydroelectric projects refer to the construction and operation of large dams and reservoirs to generate electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water. These projects typically involve significant infrastructure, including dams, reservoirs, powerhouses, transmission lines, and associated facilities. Arunachal Pradesh (37.8%), Himachal Pradesh (13.7%), and Uttarakhand (10.1%) emerge as frontrunners in large hydroelectric projects. Jammu & Kashmir and Sikkim also demonstrate significant potential, capitalizing on their rich hydrological resources (fig: 3).
India’s renewable energy landscape is characterized by diverse potentials across states, necessitating tailored strategies for optimal resource utilization. Leveraging these potentials can bolster energy security, mitigate climate change impacts, and foster sustainable economic growth. Policymakers and stakeholders should prioritize investments and policy interventions to harness each state’s unique renewable energy potential effectively.
In conclusion, a holistic approach to renewable energy development, informed by state-level potentials, is essential to propel India towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. By capitalizing on these diverse resources, India can navigate towards energy self-sufficiency while mitigating environmental challenges and fostering inclusive growth.
About Author
Pankaj Chowdhury is a former Research Assistant at the International Economic Association. He holds a Master’s degree in Demography & Biostatistics from the International Institute for Population Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Visva-Bharati University. His primary research interests focus on exploring new dimensions of in computational social science and digital demography.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of 360 Analytika.
Acknowledgement: The author extends his gratitude to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation for providing data support.
This article is posted by Sahil Shekh, Editor at 360 Analytika.
