India has achieved its target of producing 43.6% of its total energy through non-fossil fuel sources, nine years ahead of its original schedule of 2030. This indicates significant progress towards a more sustainable and cleaner energy mix for the country. India is committed to addressing climate change issues and reducing carbon emissions. Despite being one of the world’s most populous countries, India has managed to maintain a comparatively low per capita carbon emissions.
Renewable energy, including solar and hydroelectric power (HEP), requires significant initial investments. However, it’s important to recognise that while there may be higher upfront costs, renewable energy sources often offer lower operational and maintenance costs over their lifetimes compared to traditional fossil fuel-based power plants. As technology continues to advance, the cost of renewable energy has been steadily decreasing, making it more economically viable. Hydropower, while a renewable energy source, can have potential impacts on the environment and ecology, especially when large-scale projects are undertaken.
Regarding solar energy, while there may be hurdles, but advancements in technology and government support have been instrumental in driving its growth. India has been actively promoting solar energy through various policies, subsidies, and schemes to make it more accessible and affordable. Initiatives like the PM-KUSUM and support for rooftop solar installations are steps in the right direction. Moreover, renewable energy offers several advantages, including environmental sustainability, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy security, job creation, and improved public health. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is vital to mitigating climate change and reducing the world’s dependence on finite fossil fuels. The government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy is commendable, and continued support, along with private sector investments, will be critical in driving the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. The renewable energy sector in India has already attracted substantial foreign investment, and this trend is likely to continue. Focus is also on exploring wind energy potential. As technology and economies of scale improve, renewable energy is expected to play an increasingly significant role in meeting the India’s energy needs.
India has taken multiple significant steps to address environmental concerns and reduce carbon emissions. These steps go beyond just investing in renewable energy and encompass various initiatives and regulations aimed at promoting sustainability and mitigating pollution. India has set stringent Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms for automobiles to ensure they meet international standards in terms of quality, safety, and environmental impact. The discontinuation of old diesel vehicles is a crucial step in combating air pollution in urban areas. The government’s push to phase out such vehicles encourages the adoption of newer and cleaner alternatives. The government offers various incentives to industries that actively work towards reducing their carbon footprints and adopting sustainable practices. These incentives include tax breaks, subsidies, and other financial benefits to encourage businesses to embrace greener technologies and processes. There has been a focus on waste management and recycling initiatives to reduce environmental pollution. In addition to promoting renewable energy, India has implemented energy efficiency programmes to reduce energy consumption in various sectors. India has undertaken large-scale afforestation and green initiatives to increase the country’s forest cover and combat deforestation. These efforts play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
India actively participates in international agreements and conventions related to environmental protection, such as the Paris Agreement. By committing to global climate goals, India showcases its dedication to addressing environmental concerns on a global scale. All these measures combined represent a comprehensive approach by the Indian government to tackle environmental challenges and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
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