Key updates on renewable energy as of 2024
Key updates from India's renewable energy sector as of 2024:
Growth in Renewable Capacity: India’s renewable energy capacity reached 196.4 GW by mid-2024, now comprising 44% of the total installed power capacity. Solar power leads within this mix, with a share increase from 15.9% to 19.4% in one year. This growth brings India closer to its target of 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Investment in Offshore Wind: India initiated its first offshore wind energy project along the Gujarat coast in April 2024, part of a larger plan to expand its wind capacity with advanced offshore installations. This project aims to harness higher wind speeds at sea, optimizing for efficiency and scale.
Battery Storage Initiatives: Recognizing the need for energy storage to stabilize renewable supply, India is rolling out Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across various regions. This is expected to support grid stability and enhance the utilization of solar and wind energy.
Pumped Hydro Storage: To address peak demand, India is investing in pumped hydro storage, a more mature storage technology that complements the intermittent nature of renewable sources. Several large-scale projects are under construction, especially in mountainous regions suited to this technology.
Policy and Regulation Enhancements: The government has revised open-access rules and power tariffs to make renewables more accessible for industries, part of India’s commitment to ease the transition to cleaner power. This includes new tariffs encouraging greater private sector participation in green energy.
These developments underline India’s aggressive renewable energy targets and continued shift towards sustainable energy sources, bolstered by both regulatory and technological initiatives.
The detailed updates from India's renewable energy sector in 2024:
- Expansion of Renewable Energy Capacity:
- As of June 2024, India’s total renewable energy capacity has risen to 196.4 GW, representing 44.2% of the nation’s total installed power capacity. This is a significant increase from 38.4% the previous year, indicating rapid growth. Solar energy leads within this capacity, accounting for 19.4% of the total energy mix, up from 15.9% a year prior. Wind energy and large hydropower projects each contribute about 10.4%.
- Offshore Wind Power Developments:
- India launched its first offshore wind project off the Gujarat coast in early 2024, setting a milestone for offshore energy in the country. This project, under the guidance of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), targets to harness the stronger and more consistent offshore winds, which could offer higher energy output compared to onshore installations. This project is also part of India’s broader plan to achieve a 30 GW offshore wind capacity by 2030.
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):
- Recognizing the importance of storage solutions for renewable energy, India has launched BESS projects to help balance the grid and ensure stable power supply. The government approved 4,000 MWh of BESS projects in 2024 to be developed across major renewable energy-producing states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. These systems are essential for mitigating fluctuations in renewable generation, especially during non-peak solar and wind hours.
- Pumped Hydro Storage Projects:
- India has expanded its pumped hydro storage initiatives, with several projects underway, especially in hilly regions that allow natural elevation for water storage. Pumped hydro is viewed as a cost-effective and mature technology to meet peak demand by storing excess energy. As of 2024, the MNRE has endorsed several new projects that will support India’s ambitious target of integrating large-scale renewable energy into the grid, especially where battery storage is not immediately viable.
- Policy Reforms for Industry Access to Renewable Energy:
- To boost renewable energy uptake among industries, India has adjusted its open-access policies and restructured tariffs, making green power more accessible. The government lowered wheeling and banking charges, simplifying access to renewables for high-consumption users. These reforms align with India's green transition goals, enabling companies to participate in clean energy programs more easily. The new policies are expected to drive private investment in green energy significantly.
These updates demonstrate India's progress in scaling up renewable energy infrastructure, supported by targeted policies, technological advancements in storage, and a strategic shift toward offshore wind resources. Each initiative marks a step closer to India’s 2030 target for a 50% share of non-fossil fuel energy.
Indian EV policies highlight several major developments aimed at boosting electric mobility, enhancing charging infrastructure, and supporting local manufacturing.
National Green Hydrogen Mission Integration: This initiative, in conjunction with the FAME-II scheme, is advancing India’s goal of transitioning to zero-emission transportation. It focuses on using green hydrogen for energy storage and as a sustainable power source for electric vehicles (EVs). The mission aims to address India’s carbon footprint and reduce dependency on fossil fuels through green hydrogen production, thus adding a sustainable energy source for future EVs
.Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) - 2024: Launched in early 2024, the EMPS scheme allocated Rs. 500 crore over four months to support electric mobility. The program provided targeted subsidies for electric two-wheelers (e-2w) and three-wheelers (e-3w), including e-rickshaws. Under this scheme, eligible vehicles received incentives on a first-come, first-served basis until funds were exhausted or the scheme expired. EMPS helped accelerate EV adoption in urban and semi-urban areas, focusing on a high number of smaller electric vehicles (such as e-scooters) that are gaining popularity
.Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) for Advanced Batteries: The Indian government extended its PLI scheme to include the manufacturing of advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries, essential for EVs. This initiative encourages domestic production of EV batteries to reduce reliance on imports, aiming to develop a self-sufficient EV ecosystem. The scheme is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable energy solutions, fostering innovation, and reducing costs associated with EV manufacturing
FAME India Scheme Extension and Adjustments: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) II scheme has been extended to March 2025 with revised incentive structures. FAME II is India’s flagship program to increase EV adoption by subsidizing the cost of electric vehicles and supporting the development of charging infrastructure. Recent adjustments in FAME II include increased incentives for electric two-wheelers, making them more affordable and accessible, thereby encouraging more widespread use in urban transport
Comprehensive EV Infrastructure Policy: A new policy framework is underway to scale up public EV charging infrastructure, focusing on “battery swapping” as a key component. Battery swapping, particularly for electric two- and three-wheelers, aims to reduce EV downtime and overcome charging limitations, improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the policy promotes the use of renewable energy sources for EV charging stations, contributing to the country's green goals
These initiatives are positioned to reinforce India's commitment to transitioning towards green mobility and achieving the ambitious target of having a significant portion of its vehicles running on electric power by 2030.
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