Unlocking India's Renewable Energy Potential: Challenges and Opportunities
Key Ideas
  • India's renewable energy potential exceeds 24,000 GW, but scaling beyond 1,500 GW faces challenges like land, water, and population density.
  • Green hydrogen production could reach 40 MTPA by 2050 at a cost lower than $3.5/kg, but water management is critical.
  • New renewable energy hotspots identified in regions like Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, with Tamil Nadu showing lower generation costs due to high wind potential.
  • Population density and land conflicts pose significant constraints, with only a portion of wind and solar potential located in low-density areas free from conflicts.
A recent study by the Council on Energy Environment & Water (CEEW) highlights India's vast renewable energy potential and the challenges associated with scaling it up. The study emphasizes that while India has over 24,000 GW of renewable energy potential, surpassing the 1,500 GW mark will encounter hurdles related to land availability, water resources, population density, and climate conditions. The report suggests that reaching the 7,000 GW milestone required for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 will demand addressing issues such as land access, climate risks, and population density. The study also forecasts that green hydrogen production in India could hit 40 MTPA by 2050 at an affordable cost below $3.5/kg, emphasizing the critical role of water management in this process. The research identifies new renewable energy hubs in states like Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, with Tamil Nadu standing out for its lower generation costs attributed to high wind power potential. However, challenges persist due to population density and land conflicts, with only a fraction of the wind and solar energy potential located in regions with lower population density and minimal historical land disputes. Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of CEEW, acknowledges India's vast renewable energy potential but underscores the obstacles posed by land conflicts, population density, and the impact of climate change on the path to achieving net zero emissions.
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