Daily Current Affairs : 13-November-2024

India’s renewable energy sector experienced significant growth between October 2023 and October 2024. With improvements across solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear capacities, the country is making substantial progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Here are the key developments during this period.

Total Renewable Energy Capacity

India’s total renewable energy capacity grew substantially, increasing by 24.2 GW, a rise of 13.5% in just one year. By October 2024, India’s renewable energy capacity reached 203.18 GW, up from 178.98 GW in October 2023. This growth marks a major step toward meeting India’s energy demands through sustainable sources.

Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Capacity

The country also saw an increase in its non-fossil fuel energy capacity, which includes solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power. The total capacity of non-fossil energy sources increased to 211.36 GW in 2024, from 186.46 GW in 2023. This indicates India’s growing commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Solar Power Growth

Solar energy was the largest contributor to India’s renewable energy expansion. The country added 20.1 GW of solar capacity, bringing the total to 92.12 GW by October 2024, up from 72.02 GW in 2023. Additionally, the total solar capacity, including projects under implementation and those tendered, reached 250.57 GW—a remarkable increase from 166.49 GW the previous year.

Wind Power Expansion

Wind energy also made progress, with an increase in installed capacity of 7.8%, reaching 47.72 GW in 2024, compared to 44.29 GW in 2023. The total capacity in the pipeline for wind projects has grown to 72.35 GW, demonstrating the sector’s ongoing development.

Capacity Additions (April-October 2024)

From April to October 2024, India added 12.6 GW of renewable capacity, including 1.72 GW in October alone. This rapid expansion reflects India’s strong commitment to increasing its renewable energy infrastructure.

Key Statistics:

  • Projects under implementation: 143.94 GW
  • Projects tendered: 89.69 GW

This shows a significant rise compared to 2023, where these figures stood at 99.08 GW and 55.13 GW, respectively.

Hydro and Nuclear Energy

India continues to invest in large hydro and nuclear energy projects, which are key parts of its renewable energy mix. As of October 2024, large hydro projects contributed 46.93 GW, and nuclear energy added 8.18 GW to the country’s capacity.

Important Points:

Total Renewable Energy Capacity:

  • Increased by 24.2 GW (13.5%) in one year, reaching 203.18 GW in October 2024 (up from 178.98 GW in October 2023).

Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Capacity:

  • Rose to 211.36 GW in 2024, from 186.46 GW in 2023.

Solar Power:

  • Added 20.1 GW in 2024, reaching 92.12 GW (up from 72.02 GW in 2023).
  • Total solar capacity (including projects under implementation and tendered) stands at 250.57 GW, up from 166.49 GW in 2023.

Wind Power:

  • Installed capacity grew by 7.8%, reaching 47.72 GW in 2024 (up from 44.29 GW in 2023).
  • Total wind energy capacity in the pipeline: 72.35 GW.

Capacity Additions (April – October 2024):

  • Added 12.6 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2024, with 1.72 GW added in October alone.

Projects Under Implementation:

  • Expanded to 143.94 GW, compared to 99.08 GW in 2023.

Projects Tendered:

  • Increased to 89.69 GW from 55.13 GW in 2023.

Hydro and Nuclear Energy:

  • Large hydro projects contribute 46.93 GW.
  • Nuclear power adds 8.18 GW to the renewable energy mix as of October 2024.

Why In News

India’s renewable energy sector saw notable growth from October 2023 to October 2024, with significant additions in solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear capacities, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to sustainable development and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This growth is a crucial step toward meeting India’s ambitious climate and energy goals.

MCQs about India’s Renewable Energy Growth:Achievements and Progress

  1. What was the total increase in India’s renewable energy capacity from October 2023 to October 2024?
    A. 24.2 GW
    B. 20.1 GW
    C. 12.6 GW
    D. 13.5 GW
    Correct Answer: A. 24.2 GW
    Explanation: India’s total renewable energy capacity increased by 24.2 GW, or 13.5%, from October 2023 to October 2024, reaching 203.18 GW by October 2024.
  2. Which renewable energy source saw the largest growth in India between October 2023 and October 2024?
    A. Wind Power
    B. Solar Power
    C. Hydro Power
    D. Nuclear Power
    Correct Answer: B. Solar Power
    Explanation: Solar power saw the largest growth, with 20.1 GW added, bringing the total capacity to 92.12 GW by October 2024, up from 72.02 GW in 2023.
  3. As of October 2024, what is the total capacity of solar power projects under implementation and tendered in India?
    A. 250.57 GW
    B. 92.12 GW
    C. 72.35 GW
    D. 211.36 GW
    Correct Answer: A. 250.57 GW
    Explanation: The total solar capacity, including projects under implementation and those tendered, stood at 250.57 GW in October 2024, a significant increase from 166.49 GW in 2023.
  4. What was the total installed capacity of wind power in India as of October 2024?
    A. 47.72 GW
    B. 44.29 GW
    C. 72.35 GW
    D. 143.94 GW
    Correct Answer: A. 47.72 GW
    Explanation: By October 2024, the installed capacity of wind power in India had reached 47.72 GW, a growth of 7.8% compared to 44.29 GW in 2023.

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