FIRED UP AND PLUGGED IN – DRIVING INDIA’S ENERGY SECURITY AND DECARBONISATION THIS DECADE

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THE CONTEXT: India’s quest for economic growth within COP-28’s coal phase-down commitments necessitates a balance between development, energy security, and decarbonization. The power sector must optimize existing thermal assets, enhance coal plant flexibility, promote energy storage integration, and establish self-reliant RE technology supply chains. Strategic planning in these areas will support India’s dual sustainable development objectives and meet its climate action goals.

ISSUES:

• Economic Growth and COP-28 Commitments: India aims to be the fastest-growing economy but faces the challenge of global agreements to phase down unabated coal. Adherence to COP-28 dictates a shift from traditional coal reliance to sustainable energy sources.
• Climate Action and Vulnerability: India is the seventh most vulnerable country to the impacts of climate change. Reduction in fossil fuel subsidies by 76% between FY14 and FY22. Goal to triple installed renewable power generation by 2030.
• Energy Sector Dynamics: Over 100 GW from coal-based plants meets the base power load most days. Coal remains indispensable for peak demands and backup during non-solar hours.
• Decarbonization and Energy Security: Strategies to make existing coal plants flexible and more responsive to peak demand periods, reducing unplanned outages. ~38 GW thermal plants faced unplanned outages in 2023. Enhancing coal fleet flexibility to integrate renewable energy smoothly.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Plans to retrofit approximately 92% of coal and lignite-based capacity for better integration of renewables. Payment mechanisms developed by CERC and state regulators for retrofitting costs.
• Energy Storage Systems :There is a need for incentivizing storage solutions like battery energy storage systems (BESS) to balance the grid during renewable downtime. Introducing ’round-the-clock’ bids combining renewable energy production with energy storage.
• Supply Chain Indigenization :Emphasis on indigenizing supply chains for battery storage and renewable energy (RE) technology. FY22 data: Coal worth approx. INR 1.5 lakh crore produced, supporting central and state revenue, and Indian Railways. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme commits INR 19,000 crore to solar manufacturing.
• Policy and Future Commitments :Policymakers are urged to balance domestic energy security with long-term decarbonization plans. Importance of transparent assessment of long-term costs associated with traditional versus renewable energy sources. Focus on providing low-cost and affordable electricity essential for the economy and living standards.

WAY FORWARD:

• Enhancing Grid Stability and Reducing Outages: Implement advanced grid management using big data analytics and AI to predict and mitigate outages. Strengthen regulatory frameworks to incentivize the reliability of power plants.
• Integrating Renewable Energy: Accelerate the retrofitting of coal-based power plants to handle variable loads from renewable sources. Develop new market mechanisms to compensate plants for providing flexible services.
• Renewable Energy Storage Incentives: Establish financial subsidies or tax rebates for energy storage solutions to complement renewable energy sources. Promote public-private partnerships to scale up battery storage infrastructure.
• Domestic Manufacturing and Atmanirbhar Bharat: Expand the scope of the PLI scheme to include battery storage and other renewable energy technologies. Encourage joint ventures and knowledge sharing with global leaders to build technical expertise.
• Sustainable Energy Policies: Formulate policies favoring low-carbon technologies and consider total life-cycle costs to make renewables more competitive. Implement robust Feed-in Tariff (FIT) policies to ensure favorable returns on renewable energy investments.
• Infrastructure for Renewable Integration: Upgrade transmission infrastructure to handle increased renewable capacity. Invest in smart grids capable of two-way communication and dynamic response to changing energy demands.
• Research and Development: Allocate a significant portion of the national budget to R&D in clean energy technologies. Establish Centers of Excellence for renewable energy research with global partnerships.
• Public Awareness and Education: Launch nationwide campaigns to raise public awareness regarding the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Integrate energy conservation and renewable energy principles into educational curriculums.
• International Cooperation: Maintain active dialogues with international bodies to share best practices and technology transfer in renewable energy. Seek international funding and technical expertise for large-scale renewable projects.
• Long-term Energy Planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of the long-term returns and sustainability of energy investments. Frame long-term energy policies that balance immediate energy security needs with long-term decarbonization goals.

THE CONCLUSION:

Proactive strategies to enhance energy sector efficiencies, foster renewable energy integration, and build self-reliant supply chains are crucial and inevitable steps toward a greener future. With judicious policymaking and tech-enabled solutions, India can achieve the dual objectives of energy security and a thriving, sustainable economy.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q 1) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (2021)

Q 2) The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions, and what are their key benefits compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (2023)

Q 3) With growing energy needs, should India keep expanding its nuclear energy program? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (2018)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1) Discuss the proactive strategies that India can adopt to enhance energy sector efficiencies, foster renewable integration, and build self-reliant supply chains. How can these strategies help India achieve the dual objectives of energy security and a thriving, sustainable economy?”

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/fired-up-and-plugged-in-driving-indias-energy-security-and-decarbonisation-this-decade/article67765417.ece