Report on Renewable Energy Sources in India and Their Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Solar Energy

Solar energy harnesses sunlight through photovoltaic cells, converting it into clean and reliable electricity. This resilient energy source powers homes, businesses, agricultural pumps, and telecom towers. The rapid expansion of rooftop solar systems, combined with energy storage solutions, ensures continuous power supply after dusk and during peak hours.

With over 107 gigawatts installed, solar energy leads India’s green energy revolution, significantly contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The widespread adoption of solar energy also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating new job opportunities in the renewable sector.

• Over 107 GW of installed solar capacity
• Supports residential, commercial, and agricultural energy needs
• Integration with storage solutions for reliability

Learn more about solar energy adoption

2. Wind Energy

Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from moving air into electricity. Onshore wind farms in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat capture steady breezes, while offshore projects aim for a 30-gigawatt target by 2030. India’s installed wind capacity exceeds 51 gigawatts, ranking it as the fourth-largest wind energy producer globally.

Tata Power contributes significantly with 1,034 megawatts of wind capacity, supporting both businesses and governments. Wind energy advances SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• Installed capacity over 51 GW
• Onshore and offshore wind projects
• Key role of Tata Power with 1,034 MW capacity

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3. Hydro Energy

Hydropower has historically been a major renewable electricity source due to its steady and consistent baseload power. Although solar energy capacity has recently surpassed hydropower in India, hydropower continues to contribute a substantial share of global renewable electricity.

Environmental concerns, community displacement, and limited suitable sites restrict the expansion of large hydropower projects. However, small hydro projects, which are low-impact run-of-the-river systems, operate effectively in rural and hilly regions, supporting local energy access.

• Large hydropower capacity: 46.85 GW
• Small hydro capacity: over 5.10 GW
• Supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through low-impact projects

4. Biomass Energy

Biomass energy plants convert organic waste from farms and factories into electricity. With a capacity exceeding 10.74 GW, this sector promotes rural employment and provides clean power. Combined heat and power facilities achieve efficiencies up to 90%, enhancing energy utilization.

• Capacity over 10.74 GW
• Supports rural job creation (SDG 8)
• Contributes to clean energy generation (SDG 7)

5. Waste-to-Energy (WtE)

Waste-to-Energy projects transform solid waste into biogas, electricity, and bio-CNG. India’s 711 MW WtE capacity aids urban waste management, reduces pollution, and delivers renewable power, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

6. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy utilizes the Earth’s natural heat for electricity generation and heating. Although still limited in India, geothermal energy offers reliable baseload power and efficient direct heating, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

7. Tidal Energy

Tidal energy harnesses ocean tides through barrages and tidal lagoons to produce electricity. Despite its reliability, tidal power remains in early development stages globally, with limited commercial application in India. This emerging technology supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

8. Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water via electrolysis powered by clean, renewable energy. It plays a crucial role in reducing emissions from heavy industries such as steel and chemicals. India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce five million tonnes annually by 2030, supported by 125 GW of renewable capacity.

• Supports decarbonization of industrial sectors
• Targets 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen production by 2030
• Aligned with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses various renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, waste-to-energy, geothermal, tidal energy, and green hydrogen, all contributing to clean and sustainable energy access.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – By promoting renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the article aligns with efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions job creation in rural areas through biomass energy and the growth of renewable energy sectors, supporting economic growth and employment.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Waste-to-energy projects support urban waste management and pollution reduction, contributing to sustainable urban development.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The development and deployment of advanced renewable energy technologies like green hydrogen and offshore wind projects relate to fostering innovation and resilient infrastructure.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7 Targets:
   • 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services – indicated by the expansion of rooftop solar and small hydro projects supporting rural and local energy access.
   • 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix – demonstrated by India’s installed capacities in solar (107 GW), wind (51 GW), hydro (46.85 GW large + 5.10 GW small), biomass (10.74 GW), and waste-to-energy (711 MW).
   • 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency – implied by biomass combined heat and power facilities reaching up to 90% efficiency.
2. SDG 13 Targets:
   • 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies – reflected in India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aiming to reduce emissions from steel and chemical industries.
3. SDG 8 Targets:
   • 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation – seen in rural job boosts from biomass energy.
4. SDG 11 Targets:
   • 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and waste management – supported by waste-to-energy projects cutting pollution.
5. SDG 9 Targets:
   • 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies – exemplified by green hydrogen and offshore wind energy projects.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Installed Capacity (GW or MW) of Renewable Energy Sources: The article provides specific figures such as 107 GW solar, 51 GW wind, 46.85 GW large hydro, 5.10 GW small hydro, 10.74 GW biomass, and 711 MW waste-to-energy capacity, which can be used as indicators of renewable energy share (SDG 7.2).
2. Energy Efficiency Percentage: Biomass combined heat and power facilities reaching up to 90% efficiency serves as an indicator for energy efficiency improvements (SDG 7.3).
3. Green Hydrogen Production Target: The National Green Hydrogen Mission’s goal of 5 million tonnes annually by 2030 with 125 GW renewables is an indicator of clean energy innovation and emission reduction (SDG 13.2, SDG 9.4).
4. Job Creation in Renewable Energy Sector: The mention of rural jobs created through biomass energy implies employment indicators linked to economic growth and decent work (SDG 8.3).
5. Waste-to-Energy Capacity and Pollution Reduction: The 711 MW capacity and its role in urban waste management and pollution cutting imply indicators related to environmental impact and sustainable cities (SDG 11.6).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: tatapower.com