Dr.M.

Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective

AnjalaiAmmal - Mahalingam Engineering College, kovilvenni-614 403.
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering
OEE351 - RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM

OPEN ELECTIVE

UNIT I- INTRODUCTION 9
Primary energy sources, renewable vs. non-renewable primary energy sources, renewable energy
resources in India, Current usage of renewable energy sources in India, future potential of renewable
energy in power production and development of renewable energy technologies.
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1.1 Introduction
1. Any physical activity in this world, whether carried out by human beings or by nature, is
caused due to flow of energy in one form or the other.
2. The word ‘energy’ itself is derived from the Greek word ‘en-ergon’, which means ‘in-work’ or
‘work content’.
3. The work output depends on the energy input. Energy is one of the major inputs for the
economic development of any country.
4. In the case of the developing countries, the energy sector assumes a critical importance in
view of the ever increasing energy needs requiring huge investments to meet them.

Energy can be classified into several types based on the following criteria :
1. Primary and secondary energy
2. Commercial and non-commercial energy
3. Renewable and non-renewable energy
4. Conventional and non-conventional energy

1. Primary and Secondary Energy

Primary energy source : Primary energy source can be defined as source which provides a net supply
of energy. The energy that are either found or stored in nature.
E.g. coal, oil, natural gas and biomass.

Secondary energy source : The form of energy which is finally supplied to, a consumer for utilization
is known as secondary or usable energy. E.g. Electrical energy, thermal energy (in the form of steam or
hot water),chemical energy (in the form of hydrogen or fossil fuels),etc.,
Secondary energy cannot be harnessed directly from nature; rather, secondary energy has already
been converted.

2. Commercial Energy and Non Commercial Energy

Commercial Energy :
1. The energy sources that are available in the market for a definite price are known as
commercial energy. By far the most important forms of commercial energy are electricity, coal
and refined petroleum products.
2. Commercial energy forms the basis of industrial, agricultural, transport and commercial
development in the modern world. In the industrialized countries, commercialized fuels are

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predominant source not only for economic production, but also for many household tasks of
general population.
3. Examples: Electricity, lignite, coal, oil, natural gas etc.

Non-Commercial Energy
1. The energy sources that are not available in the commercial market for a price are classified as
non-commercial energy.
2. Non-commercial energy sources include fuels such as firewood, cattle dung and agricultural
wastes, which are traditionally gathered, and not bought at a price used especially in rural
households.
3. These are also called traditional fuels. Non-commercial energy is often ignored in energy
accounting.
4. Example : Firewood, agro waste in rural areas; solar energy for water heating, electricity
generation, for drying grain, fish and fruits; animal power for transport, threshing, lifting water
for irrigation, crushing sugarcane; wind energy for lifting water and electricity generation.

3 Renewable and Non Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy :
1. Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are naturally
replenished on a human timescales, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal
heat.
2. Renewable energy often provides energy in four important areas : Electricity generation, Air
and water heating/cooling, transportation and rural energy services.(Fig:a)

Benefits of Renewable Energy Use

1. Less global warming.
2. Improved public health.
3. Inexhaustible energy.
4. Jobs and other economic benefits.
5. Stable energy prices.
6. Reliability and resilience.

Importance of Renewable Sources of Energy

1. The most significant feature of renewable energy is its availability is plenty in nature. It is
infinite. Renewable energy sources are hygienic sources of energy that have a much lesser
negative environmental impact than conventional fossil fuel energy technologies.
2. Most renewable energy investments are spent on materials and personnel to build and
maintain the facilities, rather than on costly energy imports. With technological advancements
in digital communication, people have now become aware of the demerits of burning fossil
fuels.
3. Renewable energy is the need of the hour. Its clean and sustainable nature has compelled the
human beings to think seriously about it. Scientists and engineers, around the world, are
continuously working and doing research in this domain. They are finding new ways to use
these sources of energy effectively and efficiently.

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4. Global warming is a huge hazard which is being caused by burning of coal, oil and natural gas. It
is very harmful for the planet and the living beings on it. Moreover, fossil fuels cause many
unfortunate mishaps in the past. To put an end to this apocalypse; we must resort to renewable
sources. This is because they are cleaner and do not produce poisonous harmful gases.
5. Renewable energy is key in achieving these international goals. Using renewables (as oppose to
fossil fuels) brings other advantages and opportunities, ranging from environmental to socio-
economic and political.
6. Energy and sustainability had become an important aspect and current issue around the global.
Energy is an important and essential commodity in contributing towards the economic growth
of the country.
7. Natural resources are one of the resources that human consume to generate the energy. But the
most important issue is how technology can contribute to generating the solution maintaining
sustainability. Energy production, primary and end-use of energy and quality of energy are the
important aspect while discussing the energy resources and use.
8. The main energy production mostly comes from fossil fuels, by converting them into a suitable
final form of energy supply and used by the people. Other than that other energy sources such
as thermal sources and hydroelectric sources and nuclear sources are being consumed by the
nation.

Combatting Climate Change:

The burning of fossil fuels for energy results in a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions
(Carbon dioxide (CO2),Methane (CH4),Nitrous oxide (N2O),Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs),Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6),Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3)) that contribute to
global warming. Most sources of renewable energy result in no emissions, even when considering the
full life cycle of the technologies.

limitations of renewable energy source:

1. The energy available in dilute form from the renewable energy sources.
2. Though available freely in nature, the cost of harnessing energy from a non-conventional source
is generally high.
3. Availability is uncertain; the energy flow depends on various natural phenomena beyond
human control.
4. Difficulty in transporting such forms of energy.

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Non- Renewable Energy

Non - renewable energy is the conventional fossil fuel such as coal, oil and gas which are likely to
deplete with time(Fig b).

ADVANTAGES
1. Renewable energy won’t run out.

2. Renewable energy has lower maintenance requirements.

3. Renewables save money.

4. Renewable energy has numerous environmental benefits.

5. Renewables lower reliance on foreign energy sources.

6. Renewable energy leads to cleaner water and air.

7. Renewable energy creates jobs.

8. Renewable energy can cut down on waste.

DISADVANTAGES
1. Renewable energy has high upfront costs.

2. Renewable energy is intermittent.

3. Renewables have limited storage capabilities.

4. Renewable energy sources have geographic limitations.

5. Renewables aren’t always 100% carbon-free.

4 Conventional and Non-Conventional Energy

Conventional Energy
Conventional energy resources which are being traditionally used for many decades and were in
common use around oil crisis of 1973 are called conventional energy resources, e.g., fossil fuel, nuclear
and hydro resources.

Non-conventional Energy
Non-conventional energy resources which are considered for large-scale use after oil crisis of 1973,
are called non-conventional energy sources, e.g., Solar, wind, biomass etc.

Environmental Consequences of Fossil Fuel:

1. In our country, most of the environmental problems arise due to fossil fuel dependence. The
problems include global warming, air quality deterioration, oil spills and acid rain.
2. Among the gases emitted when fossil fuels are burnt, one of the most significant is carbon
dioxide, a gas that traps heat in the earth’s atmosphere.

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3. Fossil fuels result in increased levels of atmosphere methane and nitrous oxide, although they
are not the major source of these gases.
4. Several important pollutants are produced by fossil fuel combustion : Carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and hydrocarbons. In addition, total suspended particulates
contribute to air pollution, and nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons can combine in the
atmosphere to form tropospheric zone, the major constituent of smog.
5. Carbon monoxide is a gas formed as a by-product during the incomplete combustion of all fossil
fuels. Production, transportation and use of oil can cause water pollution. Oil spills, for example,
leave waterways and their surrounding shores uninhabitable for some time. Such spills often
result in the loss of plant and animal life.
6. Coal mining also contributes to water pollution. Coal contains pyrite, a sulphur compound, as
water washes through mines, which is then washed into nearby rivers and streams.
7. During the electricity-generation process, burning fossil fuels produce heat energy, some of
which is used to generate electricity. Because the process is inefficient, much of the heat is
released to the atmosphere or to water that is used as a coolant. Heated water, once returned to
rivers or lakes, can upset the aquatic ecosystem.

Following steps can be suggested to minimize the pollution caused by various sources
of energy.
1.Avoid misuse of energy that will reduce energy consumption.
2.Alternative sources of energy like solar energy, wind energy, hydro energy and
energy of sea should replace non renewable sources of energy.
3.Use of smokeless appliances, refined technology, judicious use of energy etc.

1.2 TYPES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES:

Alternative or renewable energy comes from natural processes that can reliably produce cheap energy
with minimal impact to the environment.
Most popular renewable energy sources are,
1. Solar energy 2. Wind energy
3. Hydro energy 4. Tidal energy
5. Geothermal energy 6. Biomass energy

1.Solar Energy

1. Solar energy is derived by capturing radiant energy from sunlight

and converting it into heat, electricity, or hot water. Photovoltaic
(PV) systems can convert direct sunlight into electricity
through the use of solar cells.
2. Modern residential solar power systems use photovoltaic (PV) to collect the sun’s
energy.“Photo” means “produced by light,” and “voltaic” is “electricity produced by a chemical
reaction.”
3. PV cells use solar energy to generate a chemical reaction that produces electricity. Each cell
contains a semiconductor; most commonly silicon in one of several forms (single-crystalline,
multi-crystalline, or thin-layer), with impurities (either boron or phosphorus) diffused
throughout, and is covered with a silk screen.
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4. Cells are joined together by a circuit and frame into a module. Semiconductors allow the
electrons freed from impurities by the sun’s rays to move rapidly and into the circuit,
generating electricity.
5. Commercial residential PV modules range in power output from 10 watts to 300 watts, in a
direct current.
6. A PV module must have an inverter to change the DC electricity into alternating current energy
in order to be usable by electrical devices and compatible with the electric grid. PV modules can
also be used in masses to create large-scale power plants.

Benefits
1. One of the benefits of solar energy is that sunlight is functionally endless. With the technology
to harvest it, there is a limitless supply of solar energy, meaning it could render fossil fuels
obsolete.
2. Relying on solar energy rather than fossil fuels also helps us improve public health and
environmental conditions.
3. In the long term, solar energy could also eliminate energy costs, and in the short term, reduce
your energy bills.
4. Many federal local, state, and federal governments also provide incentives over the investment
in solar energy.

2. Wind Energy

1. Wind farms capture the energy of wind flow by using

turbines and converting it into electricity.
2. There are several forms of systems used to convert wind
energy and each vary.
3. Commercial grade wind-powered generating systems can
power many different organizations, while single-wind
turbines are used to help supplement pre-existing energy organizations.
4. Another form is utility-scale wind farms, which are purchased by contract or wholesale.
Technically, wind energy is a form of solar energy.
5. The phenomenon we call “wind” is caused by the differences in temperature in the atmosphere
combined with the rotation of Earth and the geography of the planet.
6. Wind energy is one of the most promising alternative energy technologies of the future.
7. Throughout recent years, the amount of energy produced by wind-driven turbines has
increased exponentially due to significant breakthroughs in turbine technologies, making wind
power economically compatible with conventional sources of energy.
8. Wind energy is a clean and renewable source of power.

Benefits
1. Wind energy is a clean energy source, which means that it doesn’t pollute the air like other
forms of energy.
2. Wind energy doesn’t produce carbon dioxide, or release any harmful products that can cause
environmental degradation or negatively affect human health like smog, acid rain, or other
heat-trapping gases.
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3. Investment in wind energy technology can also open up new avenues for jobs and job training,
as the turbines on farms need to be serviced and maintained to keep running.

3. Hydro Energy
1. Hydro energy is a form of renewable energy that uses the power of
moving water to generate electricity. Water flows through the
dam’s turbines to produce electricity, known as pumped-storage
hydropower.
2. Run-of-river hydropower uses a channel to funnel water through
rather than powering it through a dam.
3. Harvesting energy from water is possible due to the gravitational potential energy stored in
water.
4. As water flows from a high potential energy (high ground) to lower potential energy (lower
ground), the potential energy difference thereby created can be partially converted into kinetic,
and in this case electric, energy through the use of a generator.
5. There are essentially two major designs in use that utilize water to produce electricity : The
hydroelectric dam, and the pumped- storage plant.
6. The waterwheel and the dam work on the same general principle.
7. The principle is “the force of the water being released from the reservoir through the penstock
of the dam spins the blades of a turbine. The turbine is connected to the generator that
produces electricity”.

Benefits
1. Hydroelectric power is very versatile and can be generated using both large scale projects, like
the Hoover dam, and small scale projects like underwater turbines and lower dams on small
rivers and streams.
2. Hydroelectric power does not generate pollution, and therefore is a much more
environmentally-friendly energy option for our environment.

4. Ocean, Wave and Tidal Energy

1. The ocean can produce two types of energy : Thermal and mechanical. Ocean thermal energy
relies on warm water surface temperatures to generate energy through a variety of different
systems.
2. Ocean mechanical energy uses the ebbs and flows of the tides to generate energy, which is
created by the earth’s rotation and gravity from the moon.
3. Tidal power or tidal energy is a form of hydropower that converts the energy obtained from
tides into useful forms of power, mainly electricity.
4. Wave energy, also known as ocean energy is defined as energy harnessed from oceanic waves.
As the wind blows across the surface of the ocean, it creates waves and
thus they can also be referred to as energy moving across the surface of
the water.
5. Tides are defined as the rise and fall of sea level caused by the
gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth. They are not
only limited to the oceans, but can also occur in other systems whenever
a gravitational field exists.

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6. Ocean thermal energy (OTE)is the temperature differences (thermal gradients) between
ocean surface waters and that of ocean depths. Energy from the sun heats the surface water of
the ocean. In tropical regions, surface water can be much warmer than deep water. This
temperature difference can be used to produce electricity and to desalinate ocean water.

Benefits
1. Unlike other forms of renewable energy, wave energy is predictable and it’s easy to estimate the
amount of energy that will be produced.
2. Instead of relying on varying factors, such as sun and wind, wave energy is much more
consistent. This type of renewable energy is also abundant, the most populated cities tend to be
near oceans and harbors, making it easier to harness this energy for the local population.
3. The potential of wave energy is an astounding (surprising, amazing) as yet untapped energy
resource with an estimated ability to produce 2640 TWh/yr.
4. Just 1 TWh/yr of energy can power around 93,850 average U.S. homes with power annually, or
about twice than the number of homes that currently exist in the U.S. at present.

5. Geothermal Energy
1. Geothermal heat is heat that is trapped beneath the earth’s crust
from the formation of the Earth 4.5 billion years ago and from
radioactive decay.
2. Sometimes large amounts of this heat escapes naturally, but all at
once, resulting in familiar occurrences, such as volcanic eruptions
and geysers.
3. This heat can be captured and used to produce geothermal energy by using steam that comes
from the heated water pumping below the surface, which then rises to the top and can be used
to operate a turbine.
4. Geothermal energy is one of the only renewable energy sources not dependent on the Sun.
Instead, it relies on heat produced under the surface of the Earth.
5. Geothermal power plants take on several types of forms, depending on the type of geothermal
area from which they extract energy.
6. In any case, the plants depend on steam to power turbines and generate electricity, though the
methods of producing steam varies depending on the type of geothermal reservoir.

Benefits
1. Geothermal energy is not as common as other types of renewable energy sources, but it has a
significant potential for energy supply.
2. Since it can be built underground, it leaves very little footprint on land.
3. Geothermal energy is naturally replenished and therefore does not run a risk of depleting (on a
human timescale).

6. Biomass Energy
1. Bioenergy is a renewable energy derived from biomass. Biomass is
organic matter that comes from recently living plants and organisms.
2. Using wood in your fireplace is an example of biomass that most
people are familiar with.

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3. There are various methods used to generate energy through the use of biomass. This can be
done by burning biomass, or harnessing methane gas which is produced by the natural
decomposition of organic materials in ponds or even landfills.
4. Digestion is the naturally occurring process of bacteria feeding on decaying matter and making
it decompose. It is that which releases gases like methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc.
5. In many landfills, owners are experimenting with set-ups to best collect the gases produced by
such bacteria.
6. The standard system includes pipelines running through the waste to collect the gases. Animal
feed lots and other facilities are also exploring tapping such resources.
7. A zoo in upstate New York is using their elephant manure to do the same thing.
8. Benefits of this process include the relative lack of impurities in the gases produced and the fact
that the synthesis gases (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) can be converted to any kind of
hydrocarbon fuel.

Benefits
1. The use of biomass in energy production creates carbon dioxide that is put into the air, but the
regeneration of plants consumes the same amount of carbon dioxide, which is said to create a
balanced atmosphere.
2. Biomass can be used in a number of different ways in our daily lives, not only for personal use,
but businesses as well. In 2017, energy from biomass made up about 5 % of the total energy
used in the U.S.
3. This energy came from wood, biofuels like ethanol, and energy generated from methane
captured from landfills.

Types of Conventional Sources of Energy

The conventional energy sources are

1. Coal
2. Oil
3. Petroleum and Natural Gas
4. Thermal Power Plant
5. Nuclear Power Plant

1. Coal
1. India has huge coal reserves, atleast 84,396 million tones of
proven recoverable reserves.
2. These amounts to almost 8.6 % of the world reserves and it may
last for about 230 years at the current Reserve to Production
(R/P) ratio.
3. In contrast, the world's proven coal reserves are expected to last
only for 192 years at the current R/P ratio.
4. Reserves/Production (R/P) ratio - If the reserves remaining at the end of the year are divided
by the production in that year, the result is the length of time that the remaining reserves would
last if production were to continue at that level.

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5. India is the fourth largest producer of coal and lignite in the world. Coal production is
concentrated in these states (Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Orissa, Jharkhand, and West Bengal).
6. Coal is the most abundant conventional source of energy which could last for atleast 200 years.
It is a black-brown sedimentary rock.
7. Formation of coal occurs when the remains of plants convert into lignite and then into
anthracite. This involves a long process that takes place over a long period of time.
8. Coal helps for various proposes such as heating of the house, as fuel for boilers and steam
engines and for generation of electricity by thermal plants. It constitutes about 70 % of total
commercial energy consumption in the country.

2. Oil
1. Out of all the conventional sources of energy, oil is used abundantly all over. Considering, oil is
one of the most important conventional sources of energy in India, the resources for same are
even smaller. The extraction of oil from deposits is known as oil resources.
2. In nature oil is a liquid that fills in empty spaces, crevices and caverns in rocks, forming deposits
in anticlines, folds at plate boundaries and foothills.
3. Oil can also be found in pores or on grains of rocks. Such oil can form oil-saturated sandstone
and limestone rocks, or plastic and hard layers of crust, most often called natural asphalt or oil
shale.

3. Petroleum and Natural Gas

1. Petroleum is the mixture of hydrocarbons like alkanes and cycloalkanes. In crude form black
liquid is known as petroleum and the formation of a natural gas occurs when the gas comes in
contact with petroleum layer.
2. Natural gas is a mixture of 50-90 % of Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane, and Hydrogen
sulphide. After refining and purifying crude petroleum, it is available as petrol, diesel,
lubricating oil, plastic etc.
3. Natural gas is also making a significant contribution to the household sector. It causes less air
pollution as compared to other fossil fuel.

4. Thermal Power Plant

1. Power stations burn a large amount of fossil fuels to
heat up water, to produce steam, which further runs
the turbine to generate electricity.
2. Transmission of electricity is more efficient than,
transporting coal or petroleum over the same distance.
3. It is called as the thermal plant because fuel is burnt to
produce heat energy which is converted into electrical
energy.

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5. Nuclear Energy
1. Nuclear Power contributes to about 2.4 percent of electricity generated in India. India has ten
nuclear power reactors at five nuclear power stations producing electricity.
2. More nuclear reactors have also been approved for construction. A small amount of radioactive
substance can produce a lot of energy through the nuclear substances all over the world.
3. In order to obtain nuclear energy, nuclear reactions are essential and there are about 300
nuclear reactions.
4. Nuclear energy is one of the most environmentally friendly conventional sources of energy as it
produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions during the production of electricity in comparison to
sources like coal power plants.
5. The nuclear energy releases huge amount of radioactive waste in the environment and is
hazardous.

Total energy generated in India shown table

Present Scenario of Conventional and Renewable Energy in India

1. When we cannot reuse a source of energy after using it once we call them “conventional sources
of energy” or “non-renewable energy resources”.
2. They are the most important conventional sources of energy. These include coal, petroleum,
natural gas and nuclear energy.
3. Oil is the most widely used source of energy. Coal, petroleum and natural gas account for about
90 % of world’s production of commercial energy and hydroelectric and nuclear power account
for about 10 %.
4. India ranks sixth in the world in total energy consumption. India has increased installed power
capacity from 1,362 MW to over 1,62,366 MW
since Independence.
5. The government of India has an ambitious
mission of “POWER FOR ALL” by 2012. This
mission would require that the installed
generation capacity should more than 2,00,000
MW by 2012 from the present level of 1.62,366
MW. The power in India shown Fig.
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RENEWABLE ENERGY IN INDIA

1. With a population of 1.3 billion, India has a massive demand for energy to fuel its rapidly
growing economy.
2. From a power deficit nation at the time of Independence, the efforts to make India energy-
independent have continued for over seven decades.
3. Today, we are a power surplus nation with a total installed electricity capacity of over Four
lakh MW. Keeping in mind the sustainable development goals, India's power generation mix is
rapidly shifting towards a more significant share of renewable energy.
4. Today, India is the world's third largest producer of renewable energy, with 40% of its installed
electricity capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources.

The Journey towards Renewable Energy in India

1. As a developing nation at the time of Independence, India relied heavily on coal to meet its
energy demands.

2. However, India has always been committed to looking for more alternative energy sources for
sustainable development.

3. The beginning was made with hydropower, with major hydroelectric power projects
appearing on the scene of India’s energy arena. Over the years, many policy and regulatory
initiatives have promoted hydropower development and facilitated investments. Today, we
are 5th in the world regarding usable hydropower potential.

4. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) was founded in the 1950s to secure the country's long-
term energy independence.

5. Today, we are the only developing nation with indigenously developed, demonstrated and
deployed nuclear reactors for electricity generation. This was made possible through several
decades of extensive scientific research and technology development.

6. Work on wind energy started in India during the 1960s when the National Aeronautical
Laboratory (NAL) developed windmills, primarily for supplying irrigation water.

7. Today, we have the 4th largest wind power capacity in the world, blessed with a constant
movement of wind, especially in the Southern, Western and North Western regions.

8. Solar energy-based applications have benefited millions of Indians by meeting their cooking,
lighting and other energy needs in an environment-friendly manner.

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9. Having achieved large-scale success in solar energy solutions, India has spearheaded the
International Solar Alliance (ISA) which is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative
platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies.

10. The membership of the ISA is open to all member-states of the United Nations, and 107
countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement at present.

11. The Alliance aims to efficiently utilize solar energy to reduce fossil fuel dependence, thereby
creating a greener planet.

12. Biomass has also been an essential source of energy for India. It is renewable, widely available,
carbon-neutral and has the potential to provide significant employment in rural areas.

13. Rapidly evolving technology has enabled thermal power plants to have more economical and
energy-efficient operations.

14. India has co-fired biomass in thermal plants across the country to reduce its CO2 footprint in
thermal power generation. biomass power/co-generation programme since mid-nineties.

15. Over 800 biomass power and bagasse/non-bagasse cogeneration projects have been installed
in the country for feeding power to the grid.

Promoting Clean Energy and Climate Change

1. India has progressively decoupled economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. For
example, the Net Zero Emissions target by 2030 by Indian Railways alone will reduce
emissions by 60 million tonnes annually.

2. Similarly, India's massive UJALA LED bulb campaign is reducing emissions by 40 million
tonnes annually. To further complement these ongoing efforts, India launched the National
Hydrogen Mission in 2013 to make India the world's largest hydrogen hub.

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3. Even though it supports the second largest population in the world, India’s sustained efforts
have ensured that its per capita CO2 emissions are much lower than the global average.

4. The US emits 14.7 tonnes per capita, China emits 7.6 tonnes per capita, while India’s
CO2 emissions amount to 1.8 tonnes per capita.

5. The global power sector is undergoing an accelerated transformation due to technological

innovations and response to climate change protocols.

6. At COP-21 in Paris in 2015, India committed to a 40% share of power generation from non-
fossil fuel sources. We have achieved this target a decade ahead of the 2030 timeline.

7. India has always shown its willingness in leadership to fight climate change. The country’s
vision is to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070, in addition to attaining the short-term
targets which include:

a. Increasing renewables capacity to 500 GW by 2030,

b. Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables,
c. Reducing cumulative emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, and
d. Reducing emissions intensity of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 45% by 2030.

8. India's experience will be valuable to other developing nations as they translate their climate
pledges into actions and undertake energy transitions towards a more sustainable energy
future.
Link: https://pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=151141&ModuleId%20=%202

CURRENT USAGE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN INDIA

1. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal Ministry of the Government
of India for all matters relating to new and renewable energy.

2. The broad aim of the Ministry is to develop and deploy new and renewable energy to
supplement the energy requirements of the country.

3. The top 5 states for installed renewable capacity in India are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

4. As of 31 October 2023, the installed capacity is 425535.52 MW. Gujarat (48.6 GW) leads in
power generation capacity, followed by Maharashtra (44.8 GW) and Tamil Nadu (38.2 GW),
though Rajasthan(24.4GW) leads in renewable energy capacity and Karnataka
(20.6 GW)

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Current usage of RE as tabulated from MNRE.

Cumulative
Achievements (April –
Sector Achievements (as on
December 2023) FY- 2023-24
31.12.2023)
I. Installed RE Capacity (MW)
Wind Power 2103.11 44736.24
Solar Power* 6538.15 73318.49
Small Hydro Power 42.45 4986.75
Biomass (Bagasse) Cogeneration 0.00 9433.56
Biomass(non-
13.80 828.25
bagasse)Cogeneration
Waste to Power 1.60 249.74
Waste to Energy (off-grid) 27.24 333.15
Total 8726.35 133886.18

The following is the installed capacity for Renewables:

Solar Power (Cumulative) : 73.32 GW

Ground Mounted Solar Plant : 56.92 GW

Grid Connected Solar Rooftop : 11.08 GW

Hybrid Projects(Solar Component) : 2.57 GW

Off-Grid Solar : 2.75 GW.

Wind power : 44.73 GW

Small Hydro Power : 4.98 GW

Waste To Energy : 0.58 GW

Large Hydro : 46.88 GW

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 Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective
As of Dec 2023, Renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, have a combined installed
capacity of 180.79 GW.

Year wise Achievements

Installed Renewable Energy Capacity(MW) (Excluding Large Hydro Power)

Cumula Cumulati
tive ve
Achieve Achievem
Sector ments 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 ents
(till (as on
31.03.20 31.12.202
14) 3)
Wind 21042.5
2311.77 3423.05 5502.37 1865.23 1480.97 2117.79 1503.3 1110.53 2275.55 44736.24
Power 8
Solar
2821.91 1171.62 3130.36 5658.63 9563.69 6750 6510.06 5628.8 12760.5 12783.8 73318.49
Power
Small
Hydro 3803.68 251.68 218.11 106.38 105.95 107.34 90.01 103.65 62.09 95.4 4986.75
Power
Biomass
(Bagasse)
7419.23 295.67 304.85 161.95 519.1 402.7 97 173.37 59.69 0 9433.56
Cogenerat
ion
Biomass(
Non-
bagasse) 531.82 60.05 59.24 2.2 9.5 12 0 97.24 0 42.4 828.25
Cogenerat
ion
Waste to
90.58 0 0 23.5 24.22 0 9.34 21 54.5 25 249.74
Power
Waste to
Energy 139.79 9.71 5.69 11.77 5.55 6.58 19.11 20.75 34.66 52.28 333.15
(Off-grid)
Total 35849.59 4100.5 7141.3 11466.81 12093.24 8759.59 8843.31 7548.11 14081.97 15274.43 133886.1

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5. India has set a target to reduce the carbon intensity of the nation’s economy by less than 45%
by the end of the decade, achieve 50 percent cumulative electric power installed by 2030 from
renewables, and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
6. India aims for 500 GW of renewable energy installed capacity by 2030.
7. India aims to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. This will be supported by
125 GW of renewable energy capacity.
8. 50 solar parks with an aggregate capacity of 37.49 GW have been approved in India. Wind
Energy has an off-shore target of 30 GW by 2030, with potential sites identified.
9. Following list of activities in renewable energy will be considered for trading carbon credits
under bilateral/ cooperative approaches under Article 6.2 mechanism as assigned under the
National Designated Authority for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement (NDAIAPA):
1. Renewable energy with storage (only stored component)
2. Solar thermal power
3. Off-shore wind
4. Green Hydrogen
5. Tidal energy, Ocean Thermal Energy, Ocean Salt Gradient Energy, Ocean Wave
Energy and Ocean Current Energy
6. High Voltage Direct Current Transmission in conjunction with the renewable energy
projects
7. Green Ammonia

Link: https://mnre.gov.in/physical-progress/
FUTURE POTENTIAL OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN POWER PRODUCTION IN INDIA

1. There is high potential for generation of renewable energy from various sources such as wind,
solar, biomass, small hydro and cogeneration bagasse.
2. India has a vast supply of renewable energy resources and it has one of the largest programs in
the world for deploying renewable energy products and systems.
3. The Indian renewable energy sector is the fourth most attractive renewable
energy market in the world as per the Renewable Energy Attractiveness Index 2018. India had
its largest ever increase in renewables in power generation (+20%) making the fifth-largest
contribution to global growth.
4. The Union government of India announced a plan to add 250GW of renewable energy capacity in
the next five years to achieve its target of 500 GW of clean energy by 2030.

Solar Power Potential

1. India is one of the best recipients of solar energy due to its favourable location in the solar belt
(40° S to 40° N). With about 300 clear, sunny days in a year, India has a vast potential for solar
power generation since about 58% of the total land area (1.89 million km2) receives annual
average global insolation above 5 kWh/m2/day.
2. India's theoretically calculated solar energy incidence on its land area alone is about 5,000
trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.
3. The Gangetic plains (trans, middle and upper), plateau (central, western and southern) region,
western dry region, Gujarat plains and hill region as well as the west coast plains and Ghat
region receive annual global insolation above 5 kWh/m2/day.
4. These zones include states of Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Kerala, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

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The eastern part of Ladakh region (Jammu & Kashmir) and minor parts of Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand and Sikkim which are located in the Himalayan belt also receive similar average
global insolation annually.
5. The eastern Himalayan states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Assam receive annual average
global insolation below 4 kWh/m2/day.
6. Solar potential of India stands at 649 GW. The solar energy available in a year exceeds the
possible energy output of all fossil fuel energy potential in India.
7. The daily average solar power plant generation capacity over India is 0.25 kWh per m 2 of used
land area which is equivalent to about 1,500-2,000 peak (rated) capacity operating hours in a
year with the available commercially-proven technologies.
8. Based upon availability of land and solar radiation, the potential solar power in the country has
been assessed to be around 750 GWp. State-wise details of estimated solar energy potential in
the country (as on 31-12-2022) are given in Table.

State-wise estimated solar energy potential in the Country

S.No. State Solar Potential (GWp)#

1 Rajasthan 142.31
2 Jammu & Kashmir 111.05
3 Maharashtra 64.32
4 Madhya Pradesh 61.66
5 Andhra Pradesh 38.44
6 Gujarat 35.77
7 Himachal Pradesh 33.84
8 Odisha 25.78
9 Karnataka 24.70
10 Uttar Pradesh 22.83
11 Telangana 20.41
12 Chhattisgarh 18.27
13 Jharkhand 18.18
14 Tamil Nadu 17.67
# Assessed by National Institute of Solar Energy, India

9. For India to reach its bold target of having net-zero emissions by 2070, the country's solar power
capacity would have to rise to over 5,600 GW, coal use particularly in the power sector will have
to drop by 99% by 2060 and crude oil would need to peak by 2050 and fall substantially by 90%
in the two decades.
10. Solar-based generation capacity must rise to 1,689 GW by 2050 and 5,630 GW by 2070. Wind-
based solar electricity generation capacity must increase to 557 GW by 2050 and 1792 GW by
2070.

Wind Energy Potential

1. India’s 7,600 kilometer-wide coastline has the potential to generate approximately 140 GW of
electricity from offshore wind.
2. Offshore wind is significant in India’s goal of achieving 500 gigawatts of renewable energy
capacity by 2030 and achieving its target of becoming net zero emission by 2070.
3. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for developing and using
maritime space within the country’s exclusive economic zones (EEZ) for offshore wind energy.
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4. The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) conducts resource assessments, surveys, and
studies in EEZ demarcate blocks and facilitates developers to set up offshore wind energy farms.
5. National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), has assessed the gross wind power potential of
695.50 GW in the country at 120m respectively above ground level.
6. Most of this potential exists in eight windy States as given in Table.

Wind power potential in India at 120 m above ground

S. No. State Wind Power Potential at

120 mtr agl (GW)
1 Andhra Pradesh 74.90
2 Gujarat 142.56
3 Karnataka 124.15
4 Madhya Pradesh 15.40
5 Maharastra 98.21
6 Rajasthan 127.75
7 Tamil Nadu 68.75
8 Telangana 24.83
9 Other states 18.95
Total 695.50
7. India has a long coastline of about 7,600 kilometer and good prospects for harnessing offshore
wind energy.
8. The country has set a target of installing 30 GW of offshore wind projects by 2030. The
government estimates that the states of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu alone have around 70 GW of
potential for offshore wind power, enough to power over 50 million homes.
9. The progress in this sector has been slow primarily due to the high initial cost compared to solar
and onshore wind.
10. Several offshore projects have been in the pipeline for many years but none are operational.
11. The development of wind power in India began in 1990s and it has significantly increased in the
last few years.
12. Wind power has seen a phenomenal growth of around 33% CAGR (compound annual growth
rate) in the last 5 years.
13. With the total wind power capacity (as on 31.08.2018) of 34986.35 M, India now ranks fourth in
the world. Most of the capacity (8594.39 MW) is installed in the state of Tamil Nadu in India.
14. Other states contribute most of the wind power are: Gujarat (5852.67 MW), Maharashtra
(4788.13 MW), Karnataka (4672.30 MW) and Rajasthan (4299.72 MW).
15. The recent assessment conducted by National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) indicates a gross
wind power potential of 302 GW in the country at 100 m above ground level. National targets for
offshore wind capacity additions of 5 GW by 2022 and 30 G by 2030 declared.

Biomass Energy Potential

1. About 32% of the total primary energy use in the country is still derived from biomass and more
than 70% of the country’s population depends on it for its energy needs.
2. The current availability of biomass in India is estimated about 500 million metric tonnes per
year covering agricultural and forestry residues corresponding to a potential of about 18 GW.
3. Additional 7.3 GW power could be generated through bagasse-based cogeneration in the
country. Thus, the total estimated potential for biomass power is about 25 GW.
4. Table provides the State-wise installed biomass power capacity as on 31.12.2022 provided by
MNRE.

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Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective
State-wise potential of biomass energy

S. No. State Potential (MW)

1 Maharastra 1970
2 Uttar Pradesh 1765
3 Karnataka 1222
4 Tamil Nadu 1164
5 Andhra Pradesh 739
6 West Bengal 530
7 Punjab 3178
8 Telangana 645
9 Other states 7387
Total 18600
5. Of the total global bioenergy demand in 2050, around 60% is solid bioenergy. Almost 30% is
liquid biofuels including energy use for their production and over 10% is biogases. Demand is
concentrated in sectors that are either hard to electrify or require a low-cost dispatchable source
of renewable energy.
6. In the electricity sector, solid bioenergy demand in 2050 is around 35 EJ. Bioenergy provides
only 5% of total electricity generation in 2050 but it is an important source of low-emissions
flexibility to complement variable generation from solar PV and wind.
7. In the industry sector, where solid bioenergy demand reaches 20 EJ in 2050, it is used to meet
high temperature heat needs that cannot be easily electrified such as paper and cement
production.
8. In 2050, bioenergy meets 60% of energy demand in the paper industry and 30% of energy
demand for cement production. In the buildings sector, bioenergy demand increases to nearly 10
EJ(Exojoules) in 2030, mostly in emerging economies for improved cook-stoves that replace
unsustainable traditional uses of biomass.

1.12.4. Hydroelectric Energy Potential

1. India is blessed with immense amount of hydro-electric potential and ranks 5th in terms of
exploitable hydro-potential on global scenario.
2. As per assessment made by CEA, India is endowed with economically exploitable hydro-power
potential to the tune of 145 GW of installed capacity.
3. India stands in 5th place for hydro-electric potential in the world on global scenario.
4. In north India, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has an installed capacity of 2.9 GW and
it generates 12,000-14,000 million units per year. BBMB is a major source of peaking power and
black start to the northern grid in India.
5. In addition to the hydro power given above, 56 number of pumped storage projects have also
been identified with probable installed capacity of 94 GW.
6. In addition to this, hydro- potential from small, mini and micro schemes has been estimated as
6.8 GW from 1,512 sites. Thus, in totality India is endowed with hydro-potential of about 250
GW.
7. Net zero projections published by IEA show how in a decarbonised economy, hydropower is
expected to become the predominant source of dispatchable electricity, contributing more than
40% of the annual electricity production (approximately 22,700 TWh) of this group by 2050.
8. Both IRENA and IEA show that substantial amounts of green and brownfield hydropower
capacity are urgently required to provide reliable low carbon electricity to back up variable wind
and solar power.
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9. To achieve a net zero economy by 2050, IEA indicates that more than 1,300 GW of additional
hydropower capacity is needed in reaching a total installed capacity of almost 2,700 GW.
10. Similar conclusions are presented in the 1.5°C pathway scenario produced by IRENA where the
hydropower fleet will need to double over the next 30 years in reaching an overall installed
capacity of more than 2,900 GW of which almost 420 GW is pumped hydro.
11. In addition, hydropower capacity should more than double by 2050 to meet climate goals.

1.12.5. Small Hydro Power (SHP) Potential

1. The MNRE have been vested with the responsibility of developing Small Hydro Power (SHP)
projects up to 25 MW station capacity.
2. The identified potential of Small Hydro Power in the country is 21135 MW from 7135 identified
sites. In cumulative terms, 1089 small hydropower projects aggregating to 4418 MW have been
set up in various parts of the country as on 31.12.2017.
3. In addition, 136 projects of about 754 MW are in various stages of implementation. Table 1.17
provides the State-wise installed biomass power capacity as on 31.12.2017 provided by MNRE.

Table 1.17 State-wise potential and installed SHP capacity as on 31.12.2022

1.12.6. Tidal Energy Potential

1. India is estimated to have a potential of around 54 gigawatts (GW) of ocean energy such as tidal
power (12.45 GW) and wave power (41.3 GW) but it is yet to be of practical use as the Indian
government’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) says the estimated potential of
tidal and wave power is “purely theoretical and does not necessarily constitute a practically
exploitable potential”.

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Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective
1.12.7. Geothermal Energy Potential

1. Geothermal is energy generated from heat stored in the earth or the collection of absorbed heat
derived from underground.
2. Immense amounts of thermal energy are generated and stored in the Earth’s core, mantle, and
crust.
3. Geothermal energy is at present contributing about 14.5 GW over the world and India’s small
resources can augment the above percentage.
4. Studies carried out by the geological survey of India have observed existence of about 340 hot
springs in the hot country.
5. These are distributed in seven geothermal provinces which are most productive in a 1500 km
stretch of the Himalayas.
6. These are also found along the west coast in Gujarat and Rajasthan and along a west south west-
east-northeast line running from the west coast to the western border of Bangladesh (known as
SONATA).
7. The resource is little used at the moment but the Government has an ambitious plan to more
than double the current total installed generating capacity by 2022.

Per Capita Energy Consumption In India

1. India's per capita electricity consumption was 1255 kWh in 2021-22 which is around onethird of
the global average of per capita electricity consumption. Per capita is an average of 862 kWh.
2. The Government of India, through Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), has implemented schemes
that help in increasing energy efficiency such as Standards and Label (S&L) Programme, Unnat
Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA), Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), Building
Energy Efficiency, Agriculture and Municipal Demand Side Management.

Figure 1.12 Electric power consumption per capita in India from financial year 2016 to 2021

3. As per the Generation Expansion Planning studies carried out by the Central Electricity Authority
(CEA) for 2029-30, the share of non-fossil fuel-based generation capacity in the total installed
capacity of the Country is likely to increase from around 42% as on Oct, 2022 to more than 64%
by 2029-30.

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Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective
4. It would reduce the dependence on fossil fuel in electricity generation and promote alternative
sources of power such as solar and wind. Figure 1.12 shows per capita energy consumption is
increasing from the year 2016-2020 and slightly decreased in 2021.
5. One of the reasons of this growth is electrification of villages and households across the country.
Economic survey 2020-21 states that there is a strong correlation between electricity
consumption per capita and higher scores on the education index across countries.
6. Similarly, state-wise electricity consumption is shown in Table 1.18 for the year 2014-21 below.

Table 1.18

DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN INDIA

1. The relevance of the increasing use of renewable energy sources in the transition to a
sustainable energy base was recognized in India even in the early 1970s.
2. Since the early 1980s, a significant thrust has been given to the development, trial and induction
of a variety of renewable energy technologies for use in different sectors.
3. To begin with it, the endeavours were steered and overseen by the Commission for Additional
Sources of Energy (CASE) set up in 1981.
4. In 1982, a separate Department of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (DNES) was created by the
Ministry of Energy and it was entrusted with the charge of promoting nonconventional energy
sources.
5. A decade later, it was upgraded and thus, Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources started
funding as a separate Ministry from 1992 to develop all areas of renewable energy.

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Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective
6. Indeed, India was the first country in the world to set up an exclusive ministry for
nonconventional energy development, the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources
(MNES), in early 1980s.
7. Since its inception, the Ministry has launched one of the world’s largest and most ambitious
programs on renewable energy.
8. Based on various promotional efforts put in place by MNES, significant progress is being made in
power generation from renewable energy sources. In October 2006, MNES was renamed the
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
9. As per its mandate, the MNRE has been implementing a broad-based programme covering the
whole spectrum of renewable energy technologies. The aim of the programme is to:
 Increase the share of renewable source in the overall installed capacity power generation,
meet the energy needs of rural and remote areas for a variety of applications.
 Minimize the drudgery and health hazards faced by rural women in following the age-old
practice of cooking with fuel-wood collected from long distances and in traditional chulhas
which emit a lot of smoke and extract energy from urban and industrial waste besides
chemical, ocean and geothermal sources.
 The underlying idea of the programme is not to substitute but to supplement the
conventional energy generation in meeting the basic energy needs of the community at large.
10. Government of India also created Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited
(IREDA) to assist and it provides financial assistance in the form of subsidy and low interest loan
for renewable energy projects. IREDA covers a wide spectrum of financing activities including
energy conservation and energy efficiency. At present, IREDA's lending is mainly in the following
areas.
 Solar energy technologies, utilization of solar thermal and solar photo voltaic systems.
 Wind energy setting up grid connected wind farm projects.
 Smallhydro setting up small, mini and micro hydro projects.
 Bio-energy technologies, biomass-based co-generation projects, biomass gasification,
energy from waste and briquetting projects.
 Hybrid systems.
 Energy efficiency and conservation.
11. The national programmes in different areas of renewable energy sector have resulted not only in
generation of public awareness about the advantages of renewable energy but also in a visible
increase in the deployment of renewable-energy systems and devices for various applications.
12. Consequently, the contribution of renewable energy to total installed capacity of power
generation has been progressively rising.
13. The programmes to meet the rural energy needs are the National Project on Biogas Development
(NPBD) and the National Programme on Improved Chulhas (NPIC).
14. The NPBD aims at harnessing the fuel value of the cattle dung, human waste and non-woody
organic wastes without losing their manurial value and minimising the drudgery of rural woman
in walking long distances to collect fuel wood.
15. The objective of NPIC is to improve efficiency of biomass fuels without indoor air pollution.
Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have led to generation of huge quantities of wastes
which are rich sources of energy.
16. Under the National Programme on Energy Recovery from urban, municipal and industrial
wastes, promotion and development of projects leased on appropriate conversion technologies
such as bio-methanation, gasification, palletisation and landfills are being undertaken.
17. This programme aims at harnessing the estimated power generation potential of about 1000
MW from urban and municipal wastes and about 700 MW from industrial wastes.

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Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective
Future Energy Plans

1. In 2021, the IEA published its Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector which
sets out a narrow but achievable pathway for the global energy sector to reach net zero
emissions by 2050.
2. The global economy rebounded at record speed in 2021 from the COVID-19 pandemic with GDP
growth reaching 5.9%.
3. As energy intensity improvements stalled global energy demand increased by 5.4%. Surging
energy demand was in part met by increased use of coal resulting in a 1.9 gigatonnes (Gt) jump
in emissions in 2021, the largest annual increase in global CO2 emissions from the energy sector
ever recorded. It brought total CO2 emissions from the energy sector to 36.6 Gt in 2021.
4. Recent investment in fossil fuel infrastructure not included in the 2021 Net Zero Emissions by
2050 Scenario would result in 25 Gf of emissions if run to the end of its lifetime (around 5% of
the remaining carbon budget for 1.5 °C).
5. At the same time, 2021 also saw renewables-based electricity generation reach an all-time high,
a record more than 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) above the level in 2020.
6. Climate change has become a major concern of this century. The urgent response to that concern
is an energy transformation that quickly reduces the carbon emissions which cause climate
change.
7. The Paris Agreement establishes a clear goal to limit the increase of global temperature to “well
below” 2°C, and ideally to 1.5 °C, compared to pre-industrial levels by this century. To realise this
climate target, a profound transformation of the global energy landscape is essential.
8. Rapidly shifting the world away from the consumption of fossil fuels and towards cleaner
renewable forms of energy is critical to reach the climate goals agreed upon in Paris.
9. Such a transformation is possible with the rapid replacement of conventional fossil fuel
generation and uses with low-carbon technologies.
10. Decarbonising the energy sector and reducing carbon emissions are the key objectives of the
energy transformation roadmaps of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to
examine and provide an ambitious, yet technically and economically feasible, pathway for the
deployment of low carbon technology towards a more sustainable clean energy future.
11. But the reduction of carbon emissions is not the only reason why the world should embrace the
energy transformation. There are many other drivers behind it.
 Renewable energy sources are all around us
 Renewable energy is cheaper
 Renewable energy is healthier
 Renewable energy creates jobs
 Renewable energy makes economic sense
12. By 2050, all countries can substantially increase the proportion of renewable energy in their
total energy use. REmap, a global roadmap prepared by the International Renewable Energy
Agency (IRENA) suggests that renewables can make up 60% or more of many countries’ total
final energy consumption (TFEC).
13. For instance, China could increase the share of renewable energy in its energy use from 7% in
2015 to 67% in 2050.
14. In the European Union (EU), the share could grow from about 17% to over 70%. India and the
United States could see shares increase to two-thirds or more.
15. A decarbonised power sector dominated by renewable sources is at the core of the transition to
a sustainable energy future.
16. The share of renewable energy in the power sector would increase from 25% in 2017 to 85% by
2050, mostly through growth in solar and wind power generation.

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Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective
17. This transformation needs new approaches to power system planning, system and market
operations, and regulation and public policy.
18. As low-carbon electricity becomes the main energy carrier, the share of electricity consumed in
end-use sectors would need to double from approximately 20% in 2015 to 40% in 2050.
19. Electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps would become more common in most parts of the world.
In terms of final energy, renewable electricity would provide just under 60% of total renewable
energy use, two and a half times its contribution to overall renewable energy consumption today.
Hence, renewable energy is powering a safer future.
20. The power sector has made significant progress in recent years but the speed of progress must
be accelerated. In 2017 the power sector added 167 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy
capacity globally, a robust growth of 8.3%. over the previous year and a continuation of previous
growth rates since 2010 averaging 8% per year.
21. Renewable power generation accounted for an estimated quarter of total global power
generation, a new record. New records were also set for solar and wind installation, with
additions of 94 GW in solar photovoltaic (PV) and 47 GW wind power, including 4 GW of offshore
wind power. Renewable power generation costs continue to fall.
22. Industry, transport and the building sectors will need to use more renewable energy. In these
sectors, renewable sources including increased renewable electricity supply but also solar
thermal, geothermal energy and bioenergy must play major roles.
23. Renewable electricity will play an increasingly important role but a large contribution are
renewable fuels and direct-uses needed for heat and transport. So, the use of biomass could
provide a little under two-thirds of renewable energy used for heat and fuel and solar thermal
could provide around one-quarter and geothermal.
24. Energy efficiency is critical in the building sector. However, the slow rate at which energy
efficiency in the sector is improving due in part to the low building renovation rates of just 1%
per year of existing building stock, remains a major issue.
25. A three-fold increase in this renovation rate is necessary. In industry, the high energy demand of
certain industries, the high carbon content of certain products and high emission processes
require novel solutions and lifecycle thinking.
26. In addition, as per IRENA report, employment in the overall energy sector in 2016, 2030 and
2050 could be 40.5, 68.2 and 85.0 million jobs possible.

In addition, the following steps have been taken to promote renewable power in India:

 Permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% under the automatic route.
 Waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) chargés for inter-State sale of solar and
wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30" June 2025.
 Declaration of a trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2029-30.
 Setting up of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks to provide land and transmission to RE
developers for installation of RE projects at large scale.
 Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-
KUSUM), Solar Rooftop Phase II, 12000 Mega Watt (MW) Central Public Sector Undertaking
(CPSU) Scheme Phase II, etc.
 Laying of new transmission lines and creating new sub-station capacity under the Green
Energy Corridor Scheme for evacuation of renewable power.
 Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff based competitive bidding process for procurement of
Power from Grid Connected Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind Projects.
 Notification of Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open

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Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective
 Access Rules 2022. Launch of Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) to facilitate sale of
Renewable Energy Power through exchanges.

Link: https://www.indiary.org/en/legal-advice/Renewable-Energy-in-India-Current-Status-and-
Future-Potential-2-79-429

MCQ’s
1.Wood is a renewable resource.
a) True
b) False
Correct Option: (a)
Explanation: Since trees can be replanted and grown to maturity in place of those that are cut down,
wood is a renewable resource. Rainforests take thousands of years to re-grow; hence, they are said to
be non-renewable.

2.For the production of power throughout the year in a hydroelectric power plant, which
among the following is the most necessary entity?
a) Dams full of water
b) Large quantity of air
c) Highly concentrated sunlight
d) Nuclear power
Correct Option: (a)
Explanation: Since the dam feeds water directly to the turbines, which are retained in a power station,
it is necessary to keep the reservoir water at a higher level than the turbines.

3. The main composition of biogas is?

a) Hydrogen
b) Nitrogen
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Methane
Correct Option: (d)
Explanation: Biogas is known as an environmentally-friendly energy source since it is one of the types
of biofuel that is produced from the decomposition of organic waste. It also converts organic waste
into energy. The composition of biogas includes: Carbon dioxide 25-50%, Methane 50-75% , Nitrogen
0-10%, Hydrogen 0-1%.

4.Which among the following statements is false about renewable energy?

a) Renewable energy does not cause pollution
b) Transportation of renewable energy is difficult

27
Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective

c) Renewable energy causes ecological imbalance

d) Renewable energy has a low gestation period
Correct Option: (c)
Explanation: Renewable energy sources do not cause ecological imbalance. On the other hand, non-
renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels disturb the ecological balance due to the emission of
greenhouse gases.

5.Which of the following energy resources have been used for many decades?
a) Fuel cells
b) Primary energy sources
c) Non-conventional energy sources
d) Conventional energy sources
Correct Option: (d)
Explanation: Conventional sources of energy like coal, petroleum, firewood, etc., have been used
conventionally for a long time. On the other hand, non-conventional sources are comparatively new in
consumption.

Assignment-AU Questions

2 Marks

1. What are the limitations of renewable energy sources?(N/D 21)

2. What do you understand by energy resources? (N/D 21)
3. Define energy efficiency(N/D 20)
4. List the non-conventional energy sources(N/D 20)

13 and 15 marks

1. What are the conventional and non-conventional energy sources? Describe the fossil fuels as the conventional
energy sources. (N/D 21)
2. Give brief review of various sources of renewable energy. Describe the energy scenario of India. (N/D 21)
3. Describe the various renewable energy resource available in India and its potential to supplement the
conventional energy sources. (N/D 20)
4. i) Discuss the present status of world energy scenario. (6m) (N/D 20)
ii) Criticize the energy planning issues aiming to bridge the gap between the energy demand and supply
situation in India. (7m) (N/D 20)

28
Dr.M.Renuga / AP/ECE OEE351-Renewable Energy System VI sem /Open elective

29
 22-02-2024

SYLLABUS
UNIT I- INTRODUCTION 9

Primary energy sources,

OEE351 - RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM
Renewable vs. non-renewable primary energy sources,
OPEN ELECTIVE
Renewable energy resources in India,

Current usage of renewable energy sources in India,

by
Dr.M.Renuga Future potential of renewable energy in power production and development of
AP / ECE renewable energy technologies.
AAMEC

1 2

Introduction
Renewable energy:
 Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that
are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed.

 Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are
constantly being replenished. Renewable energy sources are
plentiful and all around us.

 Fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - on the other hand, are non-
renewable resources that take hundreds of millions of years to
form.
 Fossil fuels, when burned to produce energy, cause harmful
greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide.

 Renewables are now cheaper in most countries, and generate

three times more jobs than fossil fuels. 3 4

5 6

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Greenhouse gas emissions Common sources of renewable energy:

Energy from the Sun that makes its way to Earth can have trouble SOLAR ENERGY- Solar technologies convert sunlight into
finding its way back out to space. The greenhouse effect causes electrical energy either through photovoltaic(PV) panels or
some of this energy to be waylaid in the atmosphere, absorbed through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.
and released by greenhouse gases.

Without the greenhouse effect, Earth’s temperature would be

below freezing. It is, in part, a natural process. However, Earth’s
greenhouse effect is getting stronger as we add greenhouse gases
to the atmosphere. That is warming the climate of our planet.

Greenhouse gases consist of carbon dioxide, methane, ozone,

nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor

7 8

1.Solar energy is derived by capturing radiant energy from

sunlight and converting it into heat, electricity, or hot water.
Solar Energy
Photovoltaic (PV) systems can convert direct sunlight into The two main benefits of using solar energy are
electricity through the use of solar cells. • Systems do not produce air pollutants or carbon dioxide.
2.Modern residential solar power systems use photovoltaic (PV)
• Systems on buildings have minimal impact on the environment.
to collect the sun’s energy.“Photo” means “produced by light,”
and “voltaic” is “electricity produced by a chemical reaction.”
3.Each cell contains a semiconductor. The main limitations of solar energy are
4.Cells are joined together by a circuit and frame into a module. • The amount of sunlight that arrives at the earth's surface is not
Semiconductors allow the electrons freed from impurities by constant. The amount of sunlight varies depending on location,
the sun’s rays to move rapidly and into the circuit, generating time of day, season of the year, and weather conditions.
electricity. • The amount of sunlight reaching a square foot of the earth's
5.Commercial residential PV modules range in power output surface is relatively small, so a large surface area is necessary to
from 10 watts to 300 watts, in a direct current. absorb or collect a useful amount of energy.

9 10

WIND ENERGY
Wind Energy
To produce electricity by converting the kinetic energy of air in
motion into electricity • Wind turbines operate on a simple principle. The energy in
the wind turns two or three propeller-like blades around a
rotor. The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a
generator to create electricity.

11 12

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Wind Energy Wind Energy

• Wind turbines are mounted on a tower to • Advantages of Wind Energy
capture the most energy. At 100 feet or more – Clean and renewable source of power
above ground, they can take advantage of – Cost effective
faster and less turbulent wind. – Rapid growth of industry, large potential
• Wind turbines can be used to produce • Disadvantages of Wind Energy
electricity for a single home or building, or – Wind reliability
they can be connected to an electricity grid for – Threat to wildlife
more widespread electricity distribution. – Noise and visual pollution

13 14

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY Geothermal Energy

 Geothermal energy is heat energy from the earth—Geo • Advantages
(earth) + thermal (heat).
 Geothermal resources are reservoirs of hot water that exist – Renewable energy
or are human made at varying temperatures and depths – Cleaner than burning fossil fuels
below the earth's surface. • Disadvantages
– Cost of drilling, researching proper areas
– Requires a suitable location

15 16

HYDROPOWER
Benefits
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is a renewable source of 1. Hydroelectric power is very versatile and can be
energy that generates power from the force of running water, generated using both large scale projects, like the Hoover dam,
which may come from a dam, waterfall, or other sources. and small scale projects like underwater turbines and lower
dams on small rivers and streams.
2. Hydroelectric power does not generate pollution, and
therefore is a much more environmentally-friendly energy option
for our environment.

17 18

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OCEAN ENERGY
All forms of renewable energy derived from the sea. 3.Ocean thermal

Three main types of ocean technology:

1.Wave,(Waves are generated by wind blowing over water, so this form of
energy originates from the sun)

2.Tidal (The periodical rise and fall of the sea level, once or twice a day,
mainly due to the attraction of the sun and the moon, is called a tide)

3.Ocean thermal

19 20

Wave Energy Tidal Energy

• Advantages
– Renewable • Advantages
– Environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuel energy – Clean fuel source compared to fossil fuels
– Variety of designs to use – Domestic source of energy
– Less energy dependence from foreign governments • Disadvantages
• Disadvantages – Tidal power can have effects on marine life.
– Can affect the marine environment • The turbines can accidentally kill swimming sea life
– May disturb private or commercial shipping with the rotating blades.
– Dependent on wavelength for best operation • Some fish may no longer utilize the area if
– Poor performance in rough weather threatened with a constant rotating or noise-making
– Visual/noise issues object.
• Installing a barrage may change the shoreline within
the bay or estuary, affecting a large ecosystem that
21 depends on tidal flats. 22

Benefits
BIOENERGY
1. Unlike other forms of renewable energy, wave energy is
predictable and it’s easy to estimate the amount of energy that Bioenergy is produced from a variety of organic materials,
will be produced. called biomass, such as wood, charcoal, dung and other manures
2. Instead of relying on varying factors, such as sun and for heat and power production, and agricultural crops for liquid
wind, wave energy is much more consistent. This type of biofuels,
renewable energy is also abundant, the most populated cities
tend to be near oceans and harbors, making it easier to harness Most biomass is used in rural areas for cooking, lighting and space
this energy for the local population. heating, generally by poorer populations in developing countries.
3. The potential of wave energy is an astounding
(surprising, amazing) as yet untapped energy resource with an
estimated ability to produce 2640 TWh/yr.
4. Just 1 TWh/yr of energy can power around 93,850
average U.S. homes with power annually, or about twice than the
number of homes that currently exist in the U.S. at present.

23 24

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Benefits
1. The use of biomass in energy production creates carbon Energy can be classified into several types based on the
dioxide that is put into the air, but the regeneration of plants following criteria :
consumes the same amount of carbon dioxide, which is said to
1. Primary and secondary energy
create a balanced atmosphere.
2. Biomass can be used in a number of different ways in our 2. Commercial and non commercial energy
daily lives, not only for personal use, but businesses as well. In
3. Renewable and non-renewable energy
2017, energy from biomass made up about 5 % of the total energy
used in the U.S. 4. Conventional and non-conventional energy
3. This energy came from wood, biofuels like ethanol, and
energy generated from methane captured from landfills

25 26

1.Primary and Secondary Energy 2. Commercial and non commercial energy

Primary energy source Secondary energy source
Commercial Energy Non Commercial Energy
Primary energy source can The form of energy which is finally
be defined as source which supplied to, a consumer for The energy sources that are The energy sources that
provides a net supply of utilization is known as secondary available in the market for a are not available in the
energy. The energy that are or usable energy. definite price. commercial market for a
either found or stored in E.g. Electrical energy, E.g: Electricity, lignite, coal, oil, price.
nature. thermal energy (in the form of natural gas etc E.g.: firewood, crushing
E.g. coal, oil, natural steam or hot water),chemical sugarcane, agro waste in
gas and biomass. energy (in the form of hydrogen or rural areas; solar energy
fossil fuels),etc., for water heating etc.

Secondary energy cannot be harnessed

directly from nature; rather, secondary
energy has already been converted.
27 28

3 Renewable and Non Renewable Energy 4. Conventional and non-conventional energy

Renewable Energy Non Renewable Energy Conventional Non-conventional energy

Renewable energy is energy Non - renewable energy is Conventional energy resources Non-conventional energy
that is collected from the conventional fossil which are being traditionally resources which are
renewable resources, which fuel such as coal, oil and used for many decades and considered for large-scale
are naturally replenished on a gas which are likely to were in common use around use after oil crisis of 1973,
human timescales, such as deplete with time. oil crisis of 1973 are called are called non-
sunlight, wind, rain, tides, conventional energy resources, conventional energy
waves and geothermal heat . e.g., fossil fuel, nuclear and sources, e.g., Solar, wind,
hydro resources. biomass etc.

29 30

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1. Coal
Types of Conventional Sources of Energy

1.India has huge coal reserves, atleast 84,396 million tones

The conventional energy sources are of proven recoverable reserves.
1. Coal 2.These amounts to almost 8.6 % of the world reserves and
it may last for about 230 years at the current Reserve to
2. Oil
Production (R/P) ratio.
3. Petroleum and Natural Gas 3.In contrast, the world's proven coal reserves are expected to
4. Thermal Power Plant last only for 192 years at the current R/P ratio.
4.Reserves/Production (R/P) ratio - If the reserves
5. Nuclear Power Plant
remaining at the end of the year are divided by the

31
production in that year. 32

2. Oil
5.India is the fourth largest producer of coal and lignite in the 1.Out of all the conventional sources of energy, oil is used
world. Coal production is concentrated in these states (Andhra
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, abundantly all over. Considering, oil is one of the most
Orissa, Jharkhand, and West Bengal). important conventional sources of energy in India, the
6.Coal is the most abundant conventional source of energy which
could last for atleast 200 years. It is a black-brown sedimentary resources for same are even smaller.
rock. 2.In nature oil is a liquid that fills in empty spaces, crevices and
7.Formation of coal occurs when the remains of plants convert
into lignite and then into anthracite. This involves a long caverns in rocks,
process that takes place over a long period of time. 3.Oil can also be found in pores or on grains of rocks.
8.Coal helps for various proposes such as heating of the house, as
fuel for boilers and steam engines and for generation of 4.Such oil can form oil-saturated sandstone and limestone
electricity by thermal plants. It constitutes about 70 % of total rocks or plastic.
commercial energy consumption in the country.

33 34

4. Thermal Power Plant

3. Petroleum and Natural Gas
1.Petroleum is the mixture of hydrocarbons like alkanes and
cycloalkanes. In crude form black liquid is known as
petroleum and the formation of a natural gas occurs when the
gas comes in contact with petroleum layer. 1.Power stations burn a large amount of fossil fuels to heat up
2.Natural gas is a mixture of 50-90 % of Methane, Ethane, water, to produce steam, which further runs the turbine to
Propane, Butane, and Hydrogen sulphide. After refining and generate electricity.
purifying crude petroleum, it is available as petrol, diesel, 2.Transmission of electricity is more efficient than, transporting
lubricating oil, plastic etc. coal or petroleum over the same distance.
3.Natural gas is also making a significant contribution to the 3.It is called as the thermal plant because fuel is burnt to
household sector. It causes less air pollution as compared to produce heat energy which is converted into electrical
35 36
other fossil fuel. energy.

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5. Nuclear Energy Total energy generated in India shown table

1.Nuclear Power contributes to about 2.4 percent of electricity
generated in India. India has ten nuclear power reactors at five
nuclear power stations producing electricity.
2.More nuclear reactors have also been approved for
construction. A small amount of radioactive substance can
produce a lot of energy through the nuclear substances all over
the world.
3.In order to obtain nuclear energy, nuclear reactions are
essential and there are about 300 nuclear reactions.
4.Nuclear energy is one of the most environmentally friendly
conventional sources of energy as it produces fewer
greenhouse gas emissions during the production of electricity in
comparison to sources like coal power plants.
5.The nuclear energy releases huge amount of radioactive waste
in the environment and is hazardous.
37 38

Present Scenario of Conventional and Renewable Energy in 7. This mission would require that the installed generation
India capacity should more than 2,00,000 MW by 2012 from the
1. When we cannot reuse a source of energy after using it once present level of 1.62,366 MW.
we call them “conventional sources of energy” or “non- 8. The power in India shown Fig.
renewable energy resources”.
2. These include coal, petroleum, natural gas and nuclear
energy. Oil is the most widely used source of energy. 3 8
3. Coal, petroleum and natural gas account for about 90 % of
world’s production of commercial energy and hydroelectric 21
and nuclear power account for about 10 %.
4. India ranks sixth in the world in total energy consumption.
5. India has increased installed power capacity from 1,362 63
MW to over 1,62,366 MW.
6. The government of India has an ambitious mission of
“POWER FOR ALL” by 2012.

39 40

Renewable Energy sources in India

1. With a population of 1.3 billion, India has a massive demand

for energy to fuel its rapidly growing economy.
The Journey towards Renewable Energy in India
2. From a power deficit nation at the time of Independence,
1. As a developing nation at the time of Independence, India
the efforts to make India energy-independent have relied heavily on coal to meet its energy demands.
continued for over seven decades. 2. However, India has always been committed to looking for
more alternative energy sources for sustainable
3. Today, we are a power surplus nation with a total installed development.
electricity capacity of over Four lakh MW. 3. The beginning was made with hydropower, with major
hydroelectric power projects appearing on the scene of India’s
4. Today, India is the world's third largest producer of energy arena.
renewable energy, with 40% of its installed electricity 4. Over the years, many policy and regulatory initiatives have
promoted hydropower development and facilitated
capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources. investments. Today, we are 5th in the world regarding usable
hydropower potential.
41 42

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5. Today, we are the only developing nation with indigenously 10.Biomass has also been an essential source of energy
developed, demonstrated and deployed nuclear reactors for for India. It is renewable, widely available, carbon-
electricity generation. neutral and has the potential to provide significant
6. Work on wind energy started in India during the 1960s when employment in rural areas.
the National Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL) developed 11. Rapidly evolving technology has enabled thermal
windmills, primarily for supplying irrigation water. power plants to have more economical and energy-
7. Today, we have the 4th largest wind power capacity in the efficient operations.
world, blessed with a constant movement of wind, especially in 12. India has co-fired biomass in thermal plants across
the Southern, Western and North Western regions. the country to reduce its CO2 footprint in thermal
8. Solar energy-based applications have benefited millions of power generation.
Indians by meeting their cooking, lighting and other energy
needs in an environment-friendly manner.
9. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) aims to efficiently
utilise solar energy to reduce fossil fuel dependence, thereby
creating a greener planet.

43 44

Promoting Clean Energy and Climate Change

1. India has progressively decoupled economic growth from
greenhouse gas emissions.
2. For example, the Net Zero Emissions target by 2030 by
Indian Railways alone will reduce emissions by 60 million
tonnes annually.
3. Similarly, India's massive UJALA LED bulb campaign is
reducing emissions by 40 million tonnes annually.
4. India has always shown its willingness in leadership to fight
climate change
5. The country’s vision is to achieve Net Zero Emissions by
2070

45 46

Current usage of renewable energy sources in India

6. in addition to attaining the short-term targets which 1. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the
include: nodal Ministry of the Government of India for all matters
• Increasing renewables capacity to 500 GW by 2030, relating to new and renewable energy.
• Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables,
reducing cumulative emissions by one billion tonnes by 2. The broad aim of the Ministry is to develop and deploy new
2030, and and renewable energy to supplement the energy requirements
• Reducing emissions intensity of India’s gross domestic of the country.
product (GDP) by 45% by 2030. 3. 3. The top 5 states for installed renewable capacity in India
• India's experience will be valuable to other developing are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and
nations as they translate their climate pledges into actions Maharashtra.
and undertake energy transitions towards a more 4. As of 31 October 2023, the installed capacity is 425535.52 MW.
sustainable energy future. Gujarat (48.6 GW) leads in power generation capacity, followed
by Maharashtra (44.8 GW) and Tamil Nadu (38.2 GW), though
Link: https://pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=151141&ModuleId%20=%202 Rajasthan24.4GW leads in renewable energy capacity.

47 48

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Current usage of RE as tabulated from MNRE.

The following is the installed capacity for Renewables:
Achievements
Cumulative
(April – December
Sector Achievements (as on
2023)
31.12.2023)
FY- 2023-24
I. Installed RE Capacity (MW)

Wind Power 2103.11 44736.24

Solar Power* 6538.15 73318.49
Small Hydro Power 42.45 4986.75
Biomass (Bagasse)
0.00 9433.56
Cogeneration
Biomass(non-
13.80 828.25
bagasse)Cogeneration
Waste to Power 1.60 249.74
Waste to Energy (off-grid) 27.24 333.15
Total 8726.35 133886.18

49 50

As of Dec 2023, Renewable energy sources, including large

hydropower, have a combined installed capacity of 180.79 GW.

Link: https://mnre.gov.in/physical-progress/ 51 52

Year wise Achievements

Renewable energy sources have a combined installed capacity Installed Renewable Energy Capacity(MW) (Excluding Large Hydro Power)
of 150+ GW.
As of Dec 2023, Renewable energy sources, including large Cumulati
ve
Cumulative
Achieveme
hydropower, have a combined installed capacity of 180.79 GW. Sector
Achievem
ents (till
2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 nts
(as on
31.03.201
31.12.2023)
4)

The following is the installed capacity for Renewables: Wind Power 21042.58 2311.77 3423.05 5502.37 1865.23 1480.97 2117.79 1503.3 1110.53 2275.55 44736.24

Solar Power 2821.91 1171.62 3130.36 5658.63 9563.69 6750 6510.06 5628.8 12760.5 12783.8 73318.49

1. Wind power : 44.73 GW Small Hydro

3803.68 251.68 218.11 106.38 105.95 107.34 90.01 103.65 62.09 95.4 4986.75
2. Solar Power : 73.31 GW
Power

Biomass
3. Biomass/Co-generation : 10.2 GW (Bagasse)
Cogeneratio
7419.23 295.67 304.85 161.95 519.1 402.7 97 173.37 59.69 0 9433.56

4. Small Hydro Power : 4.98 GW n

5. Waste To Energy : 0.58 GW

Biomass(No
n-bagasse)
531.82 60.05 59.24 2.2 9.5 12 0 97.24 0 42.4 828.25
Cogeneratio
6. Large Hydro : 46.88 GW n

Waste to
90.58 0 0 23.5 24.22 0 9.34 21 54.5 25 249.74
Power
Waste to
Energy (Off- 139.79 9.71 5.69 11.77 5.55 6.58 19.11 20.75 34.66 52.28 333.15
grid)
35849. 11466. 12093. 8759.5 8843.3 7548.1 14081. 15274.
53 Total 4100.5 7141.3 133886.1
54
59 81 24 9 1 1 97 43

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Solar Power Potential

FUTURE POTENTIAL OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN POWER 1. India is one of the best recipients of solar energy due to its
PRODUCTION favourable location in the solar belt (40° S to 40° N).
2. With about 300 clear, sunny days in a year, India has a vast
1. There is high potential for generation of renewable energy potential for solar power generation since about 58% of the
from various sources such as wind, solar, biomass, small total land area (1.89 million km2) receives annual average
global insolation above 5 kWh/m2/day.
hydro and cogeneration bagasse. 3. India's theoretically calculated solar energy incidence on its
2. The Indian renewable energy sector is the fourth most attractive land area alone is about 5,000 trillion kilowatt-hours
(kWh) per year.
renewable energy market in the world as per the Renewable 4. The eastern Himalayan states of Arunachal Pradesh,
Energy Attractiveness Index 2018. Nagaland and Assam receive annual average global insolation
below 4 kWh/m2/day.
3. The Union government of India announced a plan to add 250GW 5. Solar potential of India stands at 649 GW
of renewable energy capacity in the next five years, to achieve 6. The daily average solar power plant generation capacity
over India is 0.25 kWh per m2.
its target of 500 GW of clean energy by 2030. 7. Solar-based generation capacity must rise to 1,689 GW by
55 2050 and 5,630 GW by 2070. 56

State-wise details of estimated solar energy potential in the Wind Energy Potential
country (as on 31-12-2022) are given in Table
S.No. State Solar Potential 1. India’s 7,600 kilometer-wide coastline has the potential to
(GWp)# generate approximately 140 GW of electricity from offshore
wind.
1 Rajasthan 142.31
2 Jammu & Kashmir 111.05
2. Offshore wind is significant in India’s goal of achieving 500
3 Maharashtra 64.32 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and
4 Madhya Pradesh 61.66 achieving its target of becoming net zero emission by 2070.
5 Andhra Pradesh 38.44 3. National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), has assessed the
6 Gujarat 35.77 gross wind power potential of 695.50 GW in the country at
7 Himachal Pradesh 33.84 120m respectively above ground level.
8 Odisha 25.78 4. The country has set a target of installing 30 GW of offshore
9 Karnataka 24.70 wind projects by 2030.
10 Uttar Pradesh 22.83 5. The government estimates that the states of Gujarat and
11 Telangana 20.41
Tamil Nadu alone have around 70 GW of potential for
12 Chhattisgarh 18.27
13 Jharkhand 18.18
offshore wind power, enough to power over 50 million
14 Tamil Nadu 17.67 homes.
57 58

6. The development of wind power in India began in 1990s

S. No. State Wind Power Potential
and it has significantly increased in the last few years.
at 120 mtr agl (GW)
7. With the total wind power capacity (as on 31.08.2018) of 1 Andhra Pradesh 74.90
34986.35 M, India now ranks fourth in the world. 2 Gujarat 142.56

8. As of Dec 2023, 44.73 GW 3 Karnataka 124.15

9. The recent assessment conducted by National Institute of 4 Madhya Pradesh 15.40

5 Maharastra 98.21
Wind Energy (NIWE) indicates a gross wind power
6 Rajasthan 127.75
potential of 302 GW in the country at 100 m above ground
7 Tamil Nadu 68.75
level. 8 Telangana 24.83
9 Other states 18.95
Total 695.50
59 60

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Biomass Energy Potential

4. Bioenergy provides only 5% of total electricity generation
1. About 32% of the total primary energy use in the country is in 2050 but it is an important source of low-emissions
still derived from biomass and more than 70% of the flexibility to complement variable generation from solar PV
country’s population depends on it for its energy needs. and wind.
2. The current availability of biomass in India is estimated 5. In 2050, bioenergy meets 60% of energy demand in the
about 500 million metric tonnes per year covering paper industry and 30% of energy demand for cement
agricultural and forestry residues corresponding to a production.
potential of about 18 GW. 6. In the buildings sector, bioenergy demand increases to
3. Additional 7.3 GW power could be generated through nearly 10 EJ(Exojoules) in 2030.
bagasse-based cogeneration in the country. Thus, the total
estimated potential for biomass power is about 25 GW.
61 62

State-wise potential of biomass energy

Hydroelectric Energy Potential
s. No. State Potential (MW) 1. India is endowed with economically exploitable hydro-power
1 Maharastra 1970 potential to the tune of 145 GW of installed capacity. India
2 Uttar Pradesh 1765 stands in 5th place for hydro-electric potential in the world on
global scenario.
3 Karnataka 1222 2. In north India, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has
4 Tamil Nadu 1164 an installed capacity of 2.9 GW and it generates 12,000-
5 Andhra Pradesh 739 14,000 million units per year.
3. In addition to the hydro power given above, 56 number of
6 West Bengal 530 pumped storage projects have also been identified with
7 Punjab 3178 probable installed capacity of 94 GW.
8 Telangana 645 4. hydro- potential from small, mini and micro schemes has been
estimated as 6.8 GW from 1,512 sites.
9 Other states 7387
Total 18600
63 64

5. Both IRENA(Indian Renewable Energy agency) and IEA Small Hydro Power (SHP) Potential
(International energy agency)show that substantial
1. The MNRE have been vested with the responsibility of
amounts of green and brownfield hydropower capacity
developing Small Hydro Power (SHP) projects up to 25
are urgently required to provide reliable low carbon
MW station capacity.
electricity to back up variable wind and solar power.
2. The identified potential of Small Hydro Power in the
6. To achieve a net zero economy by 2050, IEA indicates that
country is 21135 MW from 7135 identified sites.
more than 1,300 GW of additional hydropower capacity
3. In cumulative terms, 1089 small hydropower projects
is needed in reaching a total installed capacity of almost
aggregating to 4418 MW have been set up in various parts
2,700 GW.
of the country as on 31.12.2017.
7. In addition, hydropower capacity should more than
double by 2050 to meet climate goals.
65 66

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State-wise potential and installed SHP capacity as on Tidal Energy Potential

31.12.2022
1. India is estimated to have a potential of around 54
gigawatts (GW) of ocean energy such as tidal power
(12.45 GW) and wave power (41.3 GW) but it is yet to be
of practical use as the Indian government’s Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

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Geothermal Energy Potential DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES

1. Geothermal is energy generated from heat stored in the
1. The relevance of the increasing use of renewable energy
earth or the collection of absorbed heat derived from
sources in the transition to a sustainable energy base was
underground.
recognized in India even in the early 1970s.
2. Geothermal energy is at present contributing about 14.5 GW
2. Since the early 1980s, a significant thrust has been given to
over the world and India’s small resources can increase
the development, trial and induction of a variety of
the above percentage.
renewable energy technologies for use in different sectors.
3. Studies carried out by the geological survey of India have
3. To begin with it, the endeavours were steered and overseen
observed existence of about 340 hot springs in the hot
by the Commission for Additional Sources of Energy (CASE)
country.
set up in 1981.
4. The resource is little used at the moment but the
4. In 1982, a separate Department of Non-Conventional
Government has an ambitious plan to more than double
Energy Sources (DNES) was created by the Ministry of
the current total installed generating capacity by 2022.
Energy and it was entrusted with the charge of promoting
nonconventional energy sources.

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5. A decade later, it was upgraded and thus, Ministry of Non- 10. As per its mandate, the MNRE has been implementing a
Conventional Energy Sources started funding as a separate broad-based programme covering the whole spectrum of
Ministry from 1992 to develop all areas of renewable renewable energy technologies. The aim of the
energy. programme is to:
6. Indeed, India was the first country in the world to set up an i. Increase the share of renewable source in the overall
exclusive ministry for nonconventional energy development, installed capacity power generation, meet the energy
the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES), in needs of rural and remote areas for a variety of
early 1980s. applications.
7. Since its inception, the Ministry has launched one of the ii. Minimize the drudgery and health hazards faced by
world’s largest and most ambitious programs on rural women in following the age-old practice of cooking
renewable energy. with fuel-wood collected from long distances.
8. Based on various promotional efforts put in place by MNES, iii. The underlying idea of the programme is not to substitute
significant progress is being made in power generation but to supplement the conventional energy generation
from renewable energy sources. in meeting the basic energy needs of the community at
9. In October 2006, MNES was renamed the Ministry of New large.
and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
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11. Government of India also created Indian Renewable Energy

Development Agency Limited (IREDA) to assist and it 13. The national programmes in different areas of renewable
provides financial assistance in the form of subsidy and energy sector have resulted not only in generation of public
low interest loan for renewable energy projects. awareness about the advantages of renewable energy but
12. IREDA covers a wide spectrum of financing activities also in a visible increase in the deployment of renewable-
including energy conservation and energy efficiency. At energy systems and devices for various applications.
present, IREDA's lending is mainly in the following areas. 14. Consequently, the contribution of renewable energy to total
installed capacity of power generation has been
i. Solar energy technologies: utilization of solar thermal progressively rising.
and solar photo voltaic systems. 15. The programmes to meet the rural energy needs are the
ii. Wind energy setting up grid connected wind farm projects. National Project on Biogas Development (NPBD) and the
iii. Small hydro setting up small, mini and micro hydro National Programme on Improved Chulhas (NPIC).
projects. 16. The NPBD aims at harnessing the fuel value of the cattle
iv. Bio-energy technologies, biomass-based co-generation dung, human waste and non-woody organic wastes without
projects, biomass gasification, energy from waste and losing their manurial value and minimising the drudgery of
briquetting projects. rural woman in walking long distances to collect fuel wood.
v. Hybrid systems.
vi. Energy efficiency and conservation 73 74

17. The objective of NPIC is to improve efficiency of biomass

fuels without indoor air pollution.
18. Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have led to
generation of huge quantities of wastes which are rich
sources of energy.
19. Under the National Programme on Energy Recovery from
urban, municipal and industrial wastes, promotion and
development of projects leased on appropriate conversion
technologies such as bio-methanation, gasification,
palletisation and landfills are being undertaken.
20. This programme aims at harnessing the estimated power
generation potential of about 1000 MW from urban and
municipal wastes and about 700 MW from industrial
wastes.

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