RENEWABLE ENERGY IN INDIA: AN OVERVIEW AND THE PATH
TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
The utilization of natural and energy resources began to manifest in the 19th century.
Throughout the 20th century, energy usage escalated significantly. Currently, around 80% of
global energy consumption is derived from the extraction of fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and
gas. Renewable energy has grown increasingly vital as the world confronts the issue of
alleviating the adverse effects of climate change and diminishing reliance on finite and polluting
fossil fuels. Utilizing renewable energy sources is acknowledged as a crucial element in
advancing sustainable development, which seeks to fulfill the requirements of the current
generation without jeopardizing future generations. India, akin to other developing nations, is
endeavouring to implement various strategies to guarantee a cheap and accessible energy supply
for its socioeconomic and political sectors in pursuit of renewable energy advancement. India's
Renewable Energy Goals stipulate an objective of attaining 500 GW of installed capacity by
2030. This study aim is to examine the several sources of renewable energy, including solar,
wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, to facilitate sustainable development in India.
Strong policy support with stable and predictable regulations, effective grid integration strategies
to manage variable renewables, dedicated funding for research and development, and strong
public engagement are key findings to successfully implement the state-level renewable energy.
Setting aggressive renewable energy capacity installation targets, easing grid integration through
transmission infrastructure expansion, and offering financial incentives like subsidies and tax
benefits are significant recommendations for India to promote renewable energy.
INTRODUCTION
Addressing contemporary environmental issues necessitates long-term strategic efforts for
sustainable development. In this context, renewable energy resources seem to be among the most
efficient and effective alternatives. Consequently, there exists a profound relationship between
renewable energy and sustainable development (J & Majid, 2020). Sustainable development
pertains to the link between human society and the natural environment. Sustainable
development has conventionally been conceptualized within the three-pillar framework of
Economy, Ecology, and Society, facilitating a systematic classification of development
objectives, wherein the three pillars are interrelated and mutually supportive (Omer, 2007).
Sustainable development can be positioned on a continuum between the paradigms of weak
sustainability and strong sustainability within an alternative conceptual framework. The two
paradigms diverge in their assumptions regarding the sustainability of natural and anthropogenic
capital (Rogers & Daly, 1996). Renewable energy can aid in achieving the development
objectives of the three-pillar model and can be evaluated in relation to both weak and strong
, sustainability. The government has exerted considerable effort to promote renewable energy for
sustainable development through subsidies, fiscal incentives, and by encouraging investors to
engage in renewable energy via various supportive policies (Eswarlal et al., 2011).
India's energy demand is projected to surpass that of any other nation in the forthcoming
decades, attributable to its vast size and significant potential for growth and development
(Bhattacharya & Jana, 2009). Consequently, the majority of this rising energy demand must be
satisfied by low-carbon, renewable sources. India declared its objective to attain net zero carbon
emissions by 2070 and to majority of its electricity requirements through renewable sources by
2030, signifying a pivotal moment in the global endeavour to address climate change. According
to (IBEF) Indian Brand Equity Foundation, as of 2023, India ranked 4th in wind power capacity,
solar power capacity, and overall renewable energy installed capacity.
According to India’s Renewable Energy goals, following are the renewable energy targets:
• Overall Capacity Goal - 500 GW of Renewable Energy by 2030
• Renewable Energy Share - Target of reaching 40% of total electricity generation from
renewable sources by 20230
• Offshore wind potential - Focus on developing 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030
• Green Hydrogen Production – Target of producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by
2030
1.1 RENEWABLE ENERGY- CONCEPT
The phrase “Renewable Energy” encompasses a wide array of resources, all originating from
selfrenewing energy sources such as solar radiation, wind, hydropower, geothermal energy, and
biomass, including energy crops, agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste. These resources
can be utilized directly for heating and illuminating residences and other structures, generating
electricity, solar cooling, and various commercial and human applications. Renewable energy
sources are abundant and ubiquitous (Hosseini & Wahid, 2016). Conversely, fossil fuels (coal,
gas, and oil) are non-renewable resources that require hundreds to millions of years for their
formation. The combustion of fossil fuels for energy generation results in detrimental greenhouse
gas emissions, including carbon dioxide. Producing renewable energy results in lower emissions
compared to the combustion of fossil fuels. The conservation of energy and the utilization of
renewable sources are the ultimate objective of energy management.
1.2 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- CONCEPT
Sustainable development refers to progress that satisfies current need without jeopardizing the
capacity of future generations to fulfill their own needs. Sustainable development originates from
the 1987 study "Our Common Future" by the World Commission on Environment and
Development, chaired by Brundtland. A primary outcome of the Rio+20 conference was the
TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
The utilization of natural and energy resources began to manifest in the 19th century.
Throughout the 20th century, energy usage escalated significantly. Currently, around 80% of
global energy consumption is derived from the extraction of fossil fuels, including oil, coal, and
gas. Renewable energy has grown increasingly vital as the world confronts the issue of
alleviating the adverse effects of climate change and diminishing reliance on finite and polluting
fossil fuels. Utilizing renewable energy sources is acknowledged as a crucial element in
advancing sustainable development, which seeks to fulfill the requirements of the current
generation without jeopardizing future generations. India, akin to other developing nations, is
endeavouring to implement various strategies to guarantee a cheap and accessible energy supply
for its socioeconomic and political sectors in pursuit of renewable energy advancement. India's
Renewable Energy Goals stipulate an objective of attaining 500 GW of installed capacity by
2030. This study aim is to examine the several sources of renewable energy, including solar,
wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, to facilitate sustainable development in India.
Strong policy support with stable and predictable regulations, effective grid integration strategies
to manage variable renewables, dedicated funding for research and development, and strong
public engagement are key findings to successfully implement the state-level renewable energy.
Setting aggressive renewable energy capacity installation targets, easing grid integration through
transmission infrastructure expansion, and offering financial incentives like subsidies and tax
benefits are significant recommendations for India to promote renewable energy.
INTRODUCTION
Addressing contemporary environmental issues necessitates long-term strategic efforts for
sustainable development. In this context, renewable energy resources seem to be among the most
efficient and effective alternatives. Consequently, there exists a profound relationship between
renewable energy and sustainable development (J & Majid, 2020). Sustainable development
pertains to the link between human society and the natural environment. Sustainable
development has conventionally been conceptualized within the three-pillar framework of
Economy, Ecology, and Society, facilitating a systematic classification of development
objectives, wherein the three pillars are interrelated and mutually supportive (Omer, 2007).
Sustainable development can be positioned on a continuum between the paradigms of weak
sustainability and strong sustainability within an alternative conceptual framework. The two
paradigms diverge in their assumptions regarding the sustainability of natural and anthropogenic
capital (Rogers & Daly, 1996). Renewable energy can aid in achieving the development
objectives of the three-pillar model and can be evaluated in relation to both weak and strong
, sustainability. The government has exerted considerable effort to promote renewable energy for
sustainable development through subsidies, fiscal incentives, and by encouraging investors to
engage in renewable energy via various supportive policies (Eswarlal et al., 2011).
India's energy demand is projected to surpass that of any other nation in the forthcoming
decades, attributable to its vast size and significant potential for growth and development
(Bhattacharya & Jana, 2009). Consequently, the majority of this rising energy demand must be
satisfied by low-carbon, renewable sources. India declared its objective to attain net zero carbon
emissions by 2070 and to majority of its electricity requirements through renewable sources by
2030, signifying a pivotal moment in the global endeavour to address climate change. According
to (IBEF) Indian Brand Equity Foundation, as of 2023, India ranked 4th in wind power capacity,
solar power capacity, and overall renewable energy installed capacity.
According to India’s Renewable Energy goals, following are the renewable energy targets:
• Overall Capacity Goal - 500 GW of Renewable Energy by 2030
• Renewable Energy Share - Target of reaching 40% of total electricity generation from
renewable sources by 20230
• Offshore wind potential - Focus on developing 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030
• Green Hydrogen Production – Target of producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by
2030
1.1 RENEWABLE ENERGY- CONCEPT
The phrase “Renewable Energy” encompasses a wide array of resources, all originating from
selfrenewing energy sources such as solar radiation, wind, hydropower, geothermal energy, and
biomass, including energy crops, agricultural, industrial, and municipal waste. These resources
can be utilized directly for heating and illuminating residences and other structures, generating
electricity, solar cooling, and various commercial and human applications. Renewable energy
sources are abundant and ubiquitous (Hosseini & Wahid, 2016). Conversely, fossil fuels (coal,
gas, and oil) are non-renewable resources that require hundreds to millions of years for their
formation. The combustion of fossil fuels for energy generation results in detrimental greenhouse
gas emissions, including carbon dioxide. Producing renewable energy results in lower emissions
compared to the combustion of fossil fuels. The conservation of energy and the utilization of
renewable sources are the ultimate objective of energy management.
1.2 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- CONCEPT
Sustainable development refers to progress that satisfies current need without jeopardizing the
capacity of future generations to fulfill their own needs. Sustainable development originates from
the 1987 study "Our Common Future" by the World Commission on Environment and
Development, chaired by Brundtland. A primary outcome of the Rio+20 conference was the
