BENGALURU, India (AP) — As one of the globe's major contributors to carbon pollution, India is simultaneously making significant strides to harness renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Despite being the world’s most populous nation, the majority of India’s electricity still stems from coal, recognized as one of the most environmentally damaging forms of energy. However, a shift is underway; recent data from India’s power ministry indicates that coal's share in installed power capacity has dropped from approximately 60% eleven years ago to under 50% today.

In a remarkable achievement, India experienced its largest ever addition of clean power in the fiscal year from April 2024 to April this year, adding a staggering 30 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity — enough to provide electricity for nearly 18 million homes across the country. As the nation’s middle class continues to expand and energy demands soar, the speed at which India transitions away from coal and other fossil fuels, including gasoline and oil, could significantly influence global efforts to tackle climate change.

India’s clean energy transition is currently witnessing a pivotal moment, and it faces several challenges along the way. Many experts point out that renewable energy has rapidly become the most economical option available. For instance, solar energy costs have plummeted, making it half as expensive as power generated from new coal-fired plants. This decline in costs can be attributed to the availability of affordable components and the fact that India enjoys a high number of sunny days annually. As a result, the installed capacity for solar energy has surged by an astounding 30 times over the past decade. “Solar power is the cheapest it’s ever been,” states Ruchita Shah, an energy analyst at climate think tank Ember. Furthermore, she noted that reducing costs for energy storage solutions, particularly batteries, means that renewable energy will be the “new normal,” even during times when sunlight and wind are scarce.

India currently has almost 170 gigawatts of renewable energy projects in the pipeline, with expectations that these will come online in the next few years. Raghav Pachouri, an energy expert at Vasudha Foundation, a think tank based in New Delhi, expressed confidence in India's ability to achieve its ambitious target of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.

The proliferation of renewable energy in India is being propelled by a combination of government policies and private investments. Experts highlight that the government aims to add approximately 50 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel power capacity each year for the next five years, with a goal for clean power to constitute 50% of the nation's energy by the end of the decade. The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which are the primary drivers of climate change. A law enacted in 2022 has made electricity cheaper for companies that opt for clean power, while federal recommendations urge state utilities to procure more renewable energy. Additionally, a recent government initiative pledging an investment of $452 million has further stimulated interest in the renewable sector.

According to officials, India ranks fourth globally in installed clean power capacity. Over the past decade, a total of $81 billion has been invested in the renewable energy sector, leading to the initiation and operation of multiple large-scale renewable energy projects, including one of the largest wind and solar power farms in the world. “We’ve observed an increase in domestic manufacturing capacity, particularly regarding solar panel modules,” remarked Madhura Joshi, a senior energy analyst at the European think tank E3G.

However, despite this rapid growth, the potential for renewables still remains underutilized. Recent reports reveal that while non-fossil fuel sources accounted for 45% of India’s total installed capacity, they only contributed to 24% of actual electricity generation last year. Coal continues to dominate the energy landscape, providing around 75% of the nation’s electricity generation. The contributions from solar, wind, small hydro power, and biomass to India’s electricity generation stand at 12%, a figure that has doubled since 2014 but still falls short of expectations.

As the country approaches a critical juncture in its clean energy journey, a report published by the nonprofit RMI highlights that electricity demand is projected to triple by 2050. This surge is anticipated to be driven by an increase in the use of electric vehicles, air conditioning units, and industrial growth. However, acquiring land for clean energy projects poses a significant challenge. To support the ambitious expansion of clean energy capacity, India must also develop robust electricity transmission infrastructure and energy storage facilities swiftly.

“India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in just a few years,” said Deepak Thakur, the chief executive officer of Mahindra Susten, a renewable energy company based in Mumbai. “To achieve this goal, we must adopt renewable energy because fossil fuels simply can’t keep pace with our energy needs.”

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