India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 GW Installed Solar Power Capacity: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 GW Installed Solar Power Capacity: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

India has reached a historic milestone of 100 GW in installed solar power capacity, as announced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. This achievement marks a crucial step towards meeting the country's ambitious goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, as illustrated in the accompanying infographics.

Importance of Solar Energy for India:

• Future Energy Demands: India's energy consumption is three times the global average and is expected to drive 25% of global demand growth over the next two decades. Solar energy enhances self-sufficiency while reducing environmental impacts.

• Emission Reduction Goals: As part of the updated Nationally Determined Contributions, India aims to reduce emissions intensity by 45% and achieve 50% non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030.

• Water Security: Unlike coal, solar power does not rely on water, helping to address water scarcity concerns.

• Rural Electrification: Solar energy facilitates off-grid power generation and supports rapid capacity expansion, benefiting rural and remote areas.

Initiatives to Promote Solar Energy:

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: This initiative aims to provide solar power to 10 million households by March 2027.

• Solar Parks Scheme: This program offers developers ready-to-use infrastructure with statutory clearances.

• 100% FDI: Full foreign investment is permitted under the automatic route for solar energy development.

• Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM): This platform enables the trading of solar energy through exchanges.

However, more efforts are needed to address challenges such as high installation costs, land acquisition hurdles, grid instability, heatwaves, and dependency on imported solar panels."

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