Hindu Editorial Analysis : 24-April-2024
Recent discussions in the media highlight a significant issue: the development of renewable energy in India is impacting agriculture and food security. As India strives to become a leader in renewable energy, it faces challenges in balancing energy needs with agricultural sustainability.
India and Renewable Energy
India is the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. To combat this, the country is making remarkable progress in renewable energy. This shift is essential not only for global climate goals but also for meeting domestic energy demands.
Renewable Energy Capacity
In the fiscal year 2023-24, India added 18.48 GW of renewable energy capacity, which is a 21% increase from the previous year. This growth is primarily driven by:
- Solar installations: 12.78 GW
- Wind energy: 2.27 GW
Since 2014, the total installed renewable energy capacity has surged from 76.37 GW to 178.98 GW, more than doubling in size.
Ambitious Targets
India has set an ambitious goal of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, an increase from a previous target of 450 GW. Achieving this will require an investment of around ₹2.44 trillion.
Focus on Solar Power
Solar power is a central part of India’s renewable strategy. Currently, the country has 214 sq. km of land dedicated to solar parks. However, some estimates suggest that India may need between 50,000 to 75,000 sq. km of land to meet its Net Zero targets.
- Rooftop Solar Program: Aims to provide 10 million households with free electricity, saving them up to ₹18,000 annually.
Challenges of Renewable Energy
While the renewable energy sector is growing, several challenges remain:
- High Upfront Costs: The initial investment for renewable technologies can be significant, particularly in developing countries.
- Infrastructure Needs: Renewable systems require specialized infrastructure and maintenance.
- Intermittency Issues: Solar and wind energy are dependent on weather conditions, necessitating advanced energy storage solutions.
- Policy Hurdles: Inconsistent regulations can deter investment in renewable energy.
- Material Access: The availability of raw materials for renewable technologies is becoming a concern.
- Geographical Disparities: Some regions have more resources than others, leading to uneven energy access.
Renewable Energy and Food Security
The push for renewable energy may lead to challenges in food security in India. Large-scale projects often require extensive land use, which can threaten agricultural lands. Some critical points to consider include:
- Land Use Challenges: Renewable projects might convert agricultural land into solar farms, potentially affecting food production.
- Impact on Food Security: Experts predict that achieving renewable energy goals could require 400,000 hectares of land, raising concerns about food availability.
Balancing Energy and Food Needs
Finding a balance between renewable energy development and food security is crucial. Policymakers must consider the effects of energy projects on agriculture. Some potential solutions include:
- Using Wastelands: Promoting the use of less productive land for renewable energy projects can help preserve agricultural land.
- Budgetary Provisions: The Indian government has allocated ₹10,000 crore for a grid-based solar power scheme, which may help address some challenges.
Why In News
Recent media highlights show that large-scale renewable energy development is sensitive to productive activities—such as agriculture and related livelihoods—raising concerns about its potential impacts on food security.
MCQs about Balancing Renewable Energy and Food Security in India
- What was the total installed renewable energy capacity in India as of October 2023?
A. 76.37 GW
B. 178.98 GW
C. 500 GW
D. 450 GW
- What is one of the primary challenges associated with the development of renewable energy in India?
A. Excessive funding
B. Low energy demand
C. High upfront costs
D. Abundant infrastructure
- How much land does India potentially need to achieve its Net Zero targets for renewable energy?
A. 10,000 sq. km
B. 50,000-75,000 sq. km
C. 214 sq. km
D. 400,000 hectares
- What solution is suggested in the essay to balance renewable energy development with agricultural needs?
A. Increasing fossil fuel usage
B. Promoting the use of wastelands
C. Reducing energy production
D. Expanding urban areas
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