NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY

Published on 18 Feb 2025

Non-conventional energy, also known as unconventional energy, refers to energy derived from renewable sources that are distinct from traditional fossil fuels.  In India, the main sources of nonconventional energy include solar energy, wind energy, biomass, nuclear energy, geothermal energy, and ocean thermal energy.

Solar Energy

As of 2024, India has over 75 GW of installed solar capacity, solidifying its position as one of the world's largest solar power producers. Major solar projects are in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, with the Thar Desert being a key solar hub.

Opportunities of Solar energy in India

• Vast Solar Resource: India enjoys abundant solar radiation throughout the year due to its proximity to the Equator, providing a vast and untapped resource for power generation.   

• Rapidly Growing Energy Demand: The increasing industrialization and urbanization have led to a surge in electricity demand, creating a significant market for solar power.   

• Government Support: The Indian government has implemented various policies and incentives to promote solar energy adoption, including the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).   

• Rooftop Solar: With millions of rooftops across the country, there's immense potential for rooftop solar installations, reducing reliance on the grid and empowering consumers.   

• Large-Scale Solar Power Plants: The development of solar parks and utility-scale projects can contribute to a substantial increase in renewable energy generation.   

• Solar-Based Agriculture: Solar pumps can be used for irrigation, reducing dependence on diesel and improving farmer incomes.   

• Export Potential: India can become a global manufacturing hub for solar equipment and components, creating export opportunities.

Challenges faced by solar power in India

• Technical Challenges

• Intermittency: Solar power generation is dependent on sunlight, making it intermittent. Grid integration requires advanced technologies to balance supply and demand.   

• Grid Infrastructure: India's power grid, especially in rural areas, needs upgrades to accommodate large-scale solar power integration.   

• Land Availability: Acquiring vast tracts of land for large-scale solar projects can be challenging, especially in densely populated areas.   

• Economic Challenges

• High Initial Cost: The upfront investment for solar power systems is significant, hindering adoption among residential and small commercial consumers.   

• Grid Parity: Achieving grid parity, where solar power becomes cheaper than conventional electricity, is still a goal in many regions.

• Import Dependency: India relies heavily on imports for solar equipment, affecting costs and supply chain stability.   

• Policy and Regulatory Challenges

• Complex Regulations: Navigating the complex regulatory environment for solar projects can be time-consuming and bureaucratic.   

• Discoms' Financial Health: Many distribution companies (discoms) are financially stressed, impacting their ability to purchase solar power.   

• Land Acquisition Issues: Delays in land acquisition for solar projects can hinder project timelines.

• Environmental Challenges

• Solar Panel Disposal: Proper disposal of end-of-life solar panels is a growing concern.

• Land Degradation: Large-scale solar projects can potentially impact land quality if not managed carefully.

Solutions to address these challenges

• Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Implement policies to encourage local production of solar cells, modules, and components.

• Example: Implement the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to encourage domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar cells and modules.

• Strengthen Grid Infrastructure: Invest in upgrading the transmission and distribution network to accommodate increased solar power integration.

• Promote Rooftop Solar: Provide incentives and simplified procedures for residential and commercial rooftop solar installations.

• Example: New Schemes as PM Suryoday Yojana to outfit 10 million houses with rooftop solar panels

• Accelerate Energy Storage Adoption: Support research and development of advanced battery storage technologies.

• Simplify Policies and Regulations: Streamline bureaucratic processes for solar project approvals and clearances as for land acquisition for solar parks etc.

• Enhance Financial Incentives: Offer subsidies, tax benefits, and affordable financing options for solar projects.

• Increase Public Awareness: Conduct extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy.

• Government Initiatives: National Solar Mission, Solar Park Mission, PM- KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan)

Wind Energy

India ranks 4th globally after China, the United States and Germany, in terms of installed wind energy capacity, with 42.8 GW as of April 2023.Key states include Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan

Opportunities of Wind Energy in India

• Vast Wind Resources: India boasts substantial wind potential, particularly in coastal and hilly regions, offering a vast resource base for wind energy projects.

• Example: India’s   vast coastline of 7500 km offers a great opportunity for onshore and offshore wind projects 

• Renewable Energy Target Achievement: Wind energy can significantly contribute to India's ambitious renewable energy goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

• Economic Growth and Job Creation: The wind energy sector can stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities across the value chain.

• Grid Integration and Stability: Wind power can enhance grid stability, balance load fluctuations, and improve the overall efficiency of the power system.

• Technological Leadership: India can position itself as a global leader in wind energy technology by fostering research and development and promoting innovation.

• Rural Development and Energy Access: Wind energy projects can drive rural development as it can provide the land which wind farms require and thereby generate employment and improve energy 

Challenges faced by wind energy in India

• Intermittency and Variability: Wind speed fluctuations impact power generation, requiring advanced grid management and energy storage solutions.

• Land Acquisition and Siting: Identifying suitable wind sites, securing land rights, and obtaining necessary permits can be time-consuming and challenging.

• Grid Integration Challenges: Integrating large-scale wind power into the grid requires robust infrastructure, grid reinforcement, and advanced grid management systems.

• Cost Competitiveness: While costs have declined, wind energy still faces competition from other renewable and conventional power sources.

• Supply Chain Constraints: Dependence on imported components and raw materials can impact project costs and timelines.

• Offshore Wind Development Challenges: Developing offshore wind projects involves significant technical, financial, and regulatory hurdles.

Solutions and Government Initiatives

• Optimize Grid Integration: Enhance grid infrastructure and incorporate energy storage to accommodate fluctuating wind power.

• Streamline Land Acquisition: Efficiently secure land for wind farms while minimizing environmental impact.

• Build a Robust Supply Chain: Develop a strong domestic supply chain for wind energy components and reduce import dependency.

• Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs): Obligating electricity distribution companies to procure a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, including wind.

• Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs): Guaranteeing a fixed price for wind power generation for a specified period.

• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Promoting domestic manufacturing of wind turbine components through financial incentives.

• Offshore Wind Policy: Creating a conducive policy framework for the development of offshore wind energy.

• National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy: Promoting the integration of wind and solar energy for optimal utilization of resources.

Tags:
Geography

Keywords:
Solar energy Wind energy Non-conventional energy Biomass Ocean thermal Nuclear energy

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Resources Distribution