India commemorates clean energy landmark, yet coal remains on the throne

India's Minister of Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has announced a significant milestone for the country, with India reaching a 50% share of non-fossil fuels in its installed energy capacity, five years ahead of the 2030 target set under the Paris Agreement.

This achievement marks a significant shift towards renewable energy in India, a country that ranks behind only China and the United States for carbon emissions. The majority of India's electricity needs are still met by coal-burning power plants, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the electricity generation. However, the landscape is changing rapidly.

India's renewable energy sector has seen a surge, with solar power leading the charge. The country now boasts the third-largest solar power capacity globally, totalling 119 GW. Wind energy also contributes to the mix, with hydro power making up a portion of the renewable energy pie.

However, the intermittent nature of solar and wind power presents a challenge. India's storage capacity currently stands at 505 MWh, which is meagre compared to the demands of a country with electricity needs expected to more than double by 2047. This has led to a reliance on coal to meet power demands, as storage capacity lags behind the surge in renewable sources.

One potential solution to this storage conundrum is the development of pump-hydro energy storage projects. India is also exploring alternative energy storage methods, such as investing in battery-based storage solutions. However, the control of 70% of the world's supplies of rare earth metals, crucial for building storage based on batteries, lies with China.

To reduce this dependence on China, the Indian government is actively investing in renewable energy infrastructure expansion. This includes plans to support green energy for data centers with a capacity of up to 10 GW in Andhra Pradesh. The aim is to increase sustainability and reduce reliance on coal, thereby fostering alternative energy storage and production capabilities domestically.

While the 50% milestone is significant, actual generation from renewable sources is still quite low in India. The country is facing a daunting challenge in reducing emissions by 45% by 2030, as set by the government. To meet this goal, India will need to continue its rapid pace of renewable energy adoption, while also addressing the challenges posed by energy storage and the supply of rare earth metals.

In a bid to diversify energy sources and improve energy efficiency, India is also building one of the world's largest solar and wind energy farms, spread over a desert the size of Singapore. The farm is part of India's broader push to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security, while also boosting its renewable energy capacity.

Despite the challenges, India's renewable energy sector continues to grow, with per capita emissions in the country only one-third of the global average. The country's ambitious renewable energy goals, coupled with its large population and vast energy needs, make it a key player in the global transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.