- Source – Indian express
- Link – https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-the-old-script-cant-work-for-indias-green-transition-9368187/
- Syllabus – GS Paper 03
- Topic – Cyber
What is the issue?
The article discusses the need for India to update its energy policy to better manage fossil fuels and boost renewable energy, while also considering global competition and security concerns, especially with China’s dominance in green technology and supply chains
What is the current energy policy in India?
- India’s energy policy is dual-focused, balancing fossil fuels and renewable energy.
- The fossil fuel strategy aims to reduce import dependency on petroleum through diversified sources, strategic reserves, domestic exploration, demand conservation, efficiency improvements, and environmental protection.
- Meanwhile, the renewable strategy aims to accelerate the shift to clean energy, targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and generating 500 GW from non-fossil fuels by 2030.
What are the challenges in the current structure?
- However, the current structure faces significant challenges.
- It is highly compartmentalized, with each ministry operating within narrow boundaries.
- Coordination among multiple ministries—such as Petroleum, Coal, Renewables, Power, and Environment—is complex, hindering streamlined decision-making.
- The lack of a formal executive forum for integrated energy policy discussions further impedes India’s ability to achieve its decarbonization and sustainability targets
Why the old script can’t work for India’s green transition?
- India’s energy policy is increasingly shaped by the resurgence of great power competition, resembling a new Cold War between the US and its allies against China and Russia.
- China’s dominance in critical materials for green energy and its production of low-cost solar wafers and wind turbines significantly influence India’s strategies.
- Geopolitical tensions and vulnerabilities in global supply chains further impact India’s efforts to secure and diversify its energy sources.
- Concerns over national security due to dependency on Chinese supplies have prompted India to impose duties on imports and boost domestic manufacturing through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
What is Green Energy?
- Green energy is defined as energy derived from renewable sources.
- It is also known as clean, sustainable, or renewable energy.
- Green energy generation emits no dangerous greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, resulting in little or no environmental impact.
- Solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, low-impact hydroelectricity, and certain qualified biomass sources are all key green energy sources.
What should the next government do?
- The next government should integrate fossil fuels and renewable energy policies into a unified strategic framework titled “Energy Strategy: Convergence, Security, and Sustainability”.
- This strategy must optimize efforts between hydrocarbon public sector enterprises and other energy firms to avoid duplication.
- Securing critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt is essential due to potential market volatility.
- Additionally, creating incentives for private investment in green energy will mitigate investor risk and promote sustainable energy initiatives.
