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Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
India's Solar Energy Potential: Is the Path to Net Zero by 2070 Clear?
The Indian Government made major headlines by announcing that it is targeting to achieve net zero emission by 2070. Over the past two decades, the energy consumption in India has doubled and is expected to increase by at least 25% by 2030. With the country's growing energy needs, population, and economy, one of the biggest questions today is - can India really go 100% renewal by 2070? The answer to this is the Sun. With more than 250-300 sunny days a year and vast open spaces, India seems perfectly placed to become a global leader in solar power. Let's explore to see if India's solar energy potential could shape our journey towards a greener and more self-reliant future and whether our clean energy transition is strong enough to meet the ambitious target of Net Zero Emissions by 2070. The Need to Focus on Solar Power in India India is blessed with abundant sunlight. With almost 300 sunny days in a year, India is a perfect location in the world for utilising solar energy potential. Unlike fossil fuels, the sun is free, clean, and abundant. According to estimates, India can generate over 750 GW of solar power, which is more than enough to meet its current energy demands. Solar power is clean, renewable, and increasingly affordable, making it a key player in the clean energy transition. India's Growth So Far in Solar Power India's growth in solar power over the past few years has been remarkable. According to recent government reports, the country's solar capacity has grown from just 2.6 GW in 2014 to over 70 GW in 2024. This jump has been supported by large-scale solar parks, rooftop installations, and strong government policies on renewable energy. Though the target was to install 100 GW of solar energy by 2022, according to the National Solar Mission, India has not given up and is serious about its energy independence and reducing its reliance on coal and imported oil. Challenges on the Road to Net Zero Even though we have made significant growth so far, the road ahead is not easy to achieve Net Zero. Here's what's stopping us: 1. Green Energy Infrastructure Building a strong green energy infrastructure takes time and money. We need better transmission lines, smarter grids, and well-planned solar parks to connect all that sunshine to homes and factories. Without proper infrastructure, a lot of solar energy just goes to waste. 2. Energy Storage Solutions What happens when the sun isn't shining? That's where energy storage solutions come in. India needs more advanced batteries and storage technologies to ensure a steady power supply at night or during cloudy days. 3. Solar Panel Efficiency While solar panels are getting better, there's still room to grow. Increasing solar panel efficiency—how much sunlight a panel can convert to electricity, is key to making solar power more cost-effective and land-efficient. The Role of the Common Man in this Journey The Indian government is taking big steps in bringing about the right change. New policies encourage investments in renewable energy through tax benefits, subsidies, and easy approvals. Private companies are also entering the solar space with innovation and big investments. From startup rooftop solutions to mega solar farms in Rajasthan and Gujarat, we are moving in the right direction. But how can individuals be part of this solar journey? Install rooftop solar panels if you can. Support businesses that use renewable energy. Raise awareness about the benefits of clean energy. Reduce your energy use to lower overall demand. So, the main question still remains - Is the Path to Net Zero by 2070 Clear? The short answer to this is: it's not fully clear yet, but we're definitely on the right track. Despite the challenges faced, India has shown impressive achievements. With the right investments, innovation, and public support the dream of achieving net zero emission by 2070 will turn into reality.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NCRTC installs rooftop solar power plant at Meerut South Namo Bharat Station
New Delhi: In a significant step towards promoting clean and green energy, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation ( NCRTC ) has installed a rooftop solar power plant at the Meerut South Namo Bharat Station . According to a statement, the newly commissioned plant has a capacity of 717 kilowatt-peak (kWp) and is part of the NCRTC's larger plan to transform its infrastructure, including stations, depots, and sub-stations, into hubs of solar power generation, aimed at reducing the overall carbon footprint. The solar plant consists of 1,304 panels, each with a capacity of 550 Watt-peak. It is expected to generate around 8.15 lakh units of solar energy annually, translating to a reduction of approximately 750 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, the statement said. This installation adds to the existing solar infrastructure at several Namo Bharat stations and facilities, including Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and the Duhai Depot, as well as receiving sub-stations at Ghaziabad and Muradnagar, it said. The rooftop plant at Ghaziabad Station currently holds the highest capacity among the installations, with a generation potential of up to 1 MW (965 kWp), the statement said. With the addition of the Meerut South plant, the total in-house solar power capacity across the operational stretch now stands at around 4.7 MWp, it said. These solar units are contributing to a projected annual reduction of more than 4,900 tonnes of carbon emissions. The NCRTC has set a target to generate 11 MW of solar power along the entire 82-km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, the statement said. Efforts under the NCRTC's solar policy align with the National Solar Mission and are designed to increase the share of renewable energy in operations, it stated. The initiative also supports the goal of making stations carbon neutral, with Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and Meerut South stations now meeting their auxiliary power requirements through solar energy, the statement said. The other eco-friendly measures implemented by the NCRTC include rainwater harvesting systems, sewage treatment plants, LED lighting, natural lighting provisions and green landscaping across its premises, it said. In addition to renewable energy initiatives, the Namo Bharat trains are equipped with regenerative braking systems that convert kinetic energy into electricity during braking, the statement said. This not only conserves energy but also helps reduce wear and tear on train components, ultimately lowering maintenance costs, it said. Currently, an operational stretch of 55 km between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South, covering 11 stations, is in service. The trial runs are underway on the remaining sections of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor.
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Opinion This Earth Day, a reminder: There is no Planet B
What does it take to sustain human life on Earth? The answer remains simple: Clean air, safe water, nourishing food, and access to the natural resources that allow us to live with dignity and purpose. Now ask yourself: Can there be any system, any kind of 'bank', from which we keep withdrawing these essentials endlessly, without ever making a deposit? Surprisingly, there is. And it is nature itself, what many of us call Mother Earth. We have turned Mother Earth into a one-way bank account, mindlessly withdrawing while giving little or nothing back. Catalysed by consumption, greed, and the illusion that nature is infinite, humanity has entered an era of ecological overdraft. Our forests are vanishing; our oceans are choking with plastic and the air in many cities has become unbreathable. Groundwater reserves are dwindling and soil fertility is declining. Weather patterns have become erratic, with extreme events like floods, wildfires, and heat waves occurring more frequently. The Earth can no longer afford our greed. As a reminder of humanity's responsibility to preserve Earth's resources for future generations, we celebrate April 22 as Earth Day. It is a day to reflect on the planet's health, educate communities about pressing environmental issues, and advocate for sustainable practices. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has influenced global environmental frameworks, fostered international cooperation and inspired landmark agreements. However, it often gets reduced to symbolic gestures — a social-media post, a tree-planting event, a school skit. While awareness matters, this day is not just about optics. It is a powerful reminder to introspect, act, and shift from exploitation to stewardship. India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, is making a crucial pivot toward sustainability. At the 2021 COP26 Summit in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Panchamrit — a five-point agenda that includes achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, meeting 50 per cent of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030, and reducing the carbon intensity of the economy by 45 per cent. These are bold goals and signal a clear shift from rhetoric to responsibility. Solar energy has emerged as one of India's most powerful climate solutions. The International Solar Alliance, co-led with France, is reshaping global energy diplomacy. Domestically, initiatives like the National Solar Mission and PM-KUSUM are empowering farmers to use solar-powered irrigation, while large solar parks in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan are redefining how India powers its homes and industries. Solar power already contributes to over 15 per cent of India's renewable energy mix — and it is growing. Electric mobility is another frontier. With schemes like FAME, the government is making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible. Indian Railways is committed to becoming net-zero by 2030. Meanwhile, cities are expanding public transport networks and investing in clean fuels. India's biodiversity and wildlife conservation programmes have shown tangible success. Project Tiger and Project Elephant have led to population increases. India is now home to over 75 per cent of the world's tiger population. Wetlands are being protected under Ramsar designations. The Green India Mission is working to improve forest cover — not just in quantity but in ecological quality. Urban air pollution remains a persistent threat, but interventions like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) are gaining traction. Cities are receiving funds to monitor air quality, switch to cleaner fuels, and improve waste management. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, while initially focused on sanitation, has broadened its scope to plastic waste-segregation and composting. Water conservation, too, is evolving, with flagship programmes like Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana and Namami Gange. India's agricultural sector is also adapting. Organic farming is being encouraged through schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Micro-irrigation and climate-resilient farming practices are gaining ground. Importantly, from the foundational Environment Protection Act to newer rules on e-waste, plastic management, and green building codes, India's legal framework is expanding to meet contemporary challenges. Meanwhile, campaigns like the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) initiative remind us that environmentalism isn't just about big policy — it's also about small, everyday choices. Yet, we must acknowledge the gaps. Implementation is inconsistent across states. Climate finance is not at the scale required. Development and conservation are still seen as competing agendas, especially in urban planning. Illegal encroachments, deforestation and pollution continue despite the existence of laws and guidelines. But here's the hope: The momentum is real. Sustainability is no longer a niche issue. It is entering mainstream governance, infrastructure planning, business strategy and citizen consciousness. From classrooms to boardrooms, the idea that we must live with nature, not against it, is gaining ground. This Earth Day, let us not ask what nature can still give us. Let us ask what we can still give back. Planting trees is good. Reducing plastic use is essential. But we must go further. Consume consciously. Choose public transport when possible. Support policies and leaders who put sustainability first. Reconnect with nature, not just on holidays, but in daily life. Educate children to be Earth's caretakers. Push for accountability — from industries, governments, and ourselves. If we continue on this path of unchecked exploitation, nature will not wait for permission to rebalance itself. Unlike a man-made bank, Mother Earth doesn't offer bailouts. Once we bankrupt this system, there's no Planet B. Let Earth Day be more than a date on the calendar. Let it be a turning point — for policy, people, and the planet.
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Emmvee eyes Rs 2,500 crore revenues, opens new plant
BENGALURU: Homegrown solar energy sector pioneer Emmvee is eyeing Rs 2,500 crore in revenues this year, supported by a healthy order book and strategic expansion, encompassing both domestic as well as international markets. The Bengaluru-headquartered company recently inaugurated a new facility in Sulibele, near Kempegowda International Airport. With this expansion, it will add ~2 GWp module capacity to become around 6.6 GWp-strong in solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, and 2.5 GWp in solar cells. This 4 lakh sqft unit, on which Emmvee has invested Rs 250 crore, will employ a workforce of over 500, who will add to its existing headcount of 2,000. Meanwhile, Emmvee also operates a larger facility in Dobbaspet, Tumakuru. "We launched in 1992 with the production of rooftop solar thermal systems, and then diversifying to PV module manufacturing in 2006. Until 2014, 100% of our modules were exported to Europe. With the announcement of the National Solar Mission after 2010, we focused more on India, and began with 15 MWp of module capacity," Emmvee CMD DV Manjunatha told TNIE. While the Dobbaspet plant has a smaller line for water heaters, 95% of Emmvee's business is derived from modules. "Now, there is a huge demand for solar PV modules, as an addition to more conventional sources of power generation, all in an effort to minimise power cuts. Also, modules are among the most cost-effective sources of power generation," informed Emmvee president and CEO Suhas Donthi. The said modules are used for solar power generation, and can also drive solar pumps, streetlights, satellites and so on. Over the years, Emmvee has expanded internationally as well, with a presence across Europe, Africa and North America. Specifically, it operates a solar power plant in Germany. However, Emmvee continues to prioritise domestic production. 'We are committed to reducing import dependency and building a resilient local supply chain,' Manjunatha said. Currently, the company boasts of over 50% localisation. "Our plan is to make our cell manufacturing capacity on par with our module manufacturing capacity. By producing more solar cells, our import costs drastically drop," mentioned Donthi. Domestically, Emmvee also contributes to major government initiatives like PM Suryaghar Yojana and the PM-KUSUM scheme, aligning with India's energy independence goals, while continuing to remain bullish on state-run energy utilities and the private sector for growth. Separately, it recently committed to invest Rs 15,000 crore in a new solar manufacturing hub in Karnataka. "The Union government is aiming to achieve net zero by 2047, and by 2030 itself, it's eyeing 450 GW of renewable energy. To meet that requirement, based on the demand, we also wish to expand in a phased manner. The new facility is a step in the company's dedication to supporting India's renewable energy goals and achieving solar manufacturing self-reliance," Manujunatha said. Currently, within India's renewable energy landscape, solar power leads the way with an installed capacity of 105.65 GW.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
India emerges as a global leader in clean energy transition
When India hosted the much-anticipated India Energy Week (IEW) 2025 this February, the global energy community turned its attention to the country's remarkable strides in clean energy transition. During India Energy Week 2025, India formalised several strategic agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen its energy security, diversify supply sources, and promote innovation in the oil and gas sector. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Hardeep Singh Puri, India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, described these agreements as pivotal steps toward building a more sustainable and resilient energy future for the country. The Minister underscored India's dedication to securing reliable, affordable, and diverse energy supplies while fostering international partnerships in advanced energy technologies. He highlighted that these collaborations are essential for driving the nation's energy transition goals and creating a robust, future-ready energy ecosystem. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, during an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, praised India as the 'world's inspiration' in the transition to clean energy. His remarks underscore India's growing leadership in the global push toward a sustainable energy future. India's clean energy transition has been characterised by ambitious targets, innovative policies, and robust international collaborations. The country has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and generate 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. This commitment has driven unprecedented growth in renewable energy sectors like solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen. Solar energy: A bright spot India has emerged as one of the largest solar power producers globally, thanks to initiatives like the National Solar Mission and the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The country recently surpassed the 100 GW milestone of installed renewable energy capacity, with solar power accounting for a significant share. Large-scale solar parks in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat have become models of efficient and scalable solar infrastructure. Wind energy: Harnessing the breeze With a coastline of over 7,500 kilometres, India has immense potential for wind energy. The government has launched offshore wind energy projects to complement its established onshore wind farms, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. India's wind energy capacity now exceeds 40 GW, with plans for further expansion through global partnerships. Green hydrogen: Fueling the future India's foray into green hydrogen has attracted international attention. The launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 laid the foundation for a hydrogen-based economy. India's first hydrogen fuel cell bus, flagged off in New Delhi, symbolises the country's innovative spirit in adopting hydrogen fuel for public transportation. India Energy Week 2025 India Energy Week 2025 serves as a crucial platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to discuss strategies for sustainable energy development. The event is witnessing participation from over 100 countries, including major energy players from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Key themes of the event include: Energy security and sustainability: Exploring innovative solutions to balance energy needs with environmental concerns. Global partnerships: Strengthening bilateral and multilateral collaborations for joint clean energy projects. Technological innovations: Showcasing breakthroughs in renewable energy technologies and digital solutions for energy efficiency. UK-India collaboration: A model partnership The UK's Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband, highlighted the strong partnership between India and the UK in the clean energy sector. The UK has been a key collaborator in India's renewable energy journey, providing technical expertise and financial support for various green energy projects. The UK-India Green Hydrogen Partnership, launched in 2024, aims to establish joint research and development centres and facilitate hydrogen trade between the two countries. This partnership reflects the shared vision of both nations to lead the global hydrogen economy. India's clean energy transition has received accolades from global organisations like the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The country's innovative approaches, such as the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) mechanism, have been lauded as replicable models for other developing nations. India's leadership in the ISA, which now includes over 120 member countries, demonstrates its commitment to promoting solar energy globally. The ISA's initiatives, like the Solar Risk Mitigation Initiative, have facilitated investments in solar projects across Africa and Asia. Despite its impressive achievements, India faces several challenges in its clean energy journey. The intermittency of renewable sources, the need for advanced energy storage solutions, and the financial viability of large-scale projects remain critical concerns. To address these challenges, the government is investing heavily in research and development, particularly in battery storage, smart grids, and hydrogen technologies. Policies like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar module manufacturing aim to build domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imports. India Energy Week 2025 will not only showcase India's achievements in clean energy but also reinforce its role as a global leader in the energy transition. As the UK's Ed Miliband aptly remarked, India's proactive policies, innovative technologies, and inclusive partnerships make it a true inspiration for the world. As the world grapples with the twin challenges of energy security and climate change, India's journey offers valuable lessons in balancing growth with sustainability. With continued international cooperation and a clear vision for the future, India is poised to lead the global clean energy revolution for decades to come. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
