Regional development from the last 5 decades in RE sector in India

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The regional development of renewable energy in India over the past five decades has been marked by significant policy shifts, technological advancements, and increased awareness regarding clean energy's importance. Here is a summary of the regional development and key milestones:

1970s-1980s: Foundation Phase

  • Key Regions: Primarily in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
  • Renewable Focus: Small hydropower and bioenergy for rural areas.
  • Policy Initiatives: The government began promoting renewable energy as a means of rural electrification, with a focus on small hydropower and biomass energy.
  • Development Activities: Initial renewable energy projects were undertaken, focusing mainly on local solutions like improved biomass cookstoves and small hydroelectric projects.

1990s: Institutional Framework Development

  • Key Regions: Expansion to Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Renewable Focus: Wind energy started gaining importance.
  • Policy Initiatives: Establishment of the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES) in 1992, now known as the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • Development Activities: India saw the initiation of major wind projects, especially in Tamil Nadu, which is still one of the leading states for wind energy today. Gujarat and Rajasthan also began experimenting with solar and wind energy.

2000s: Scaling Up and Market Expansion

  • Key Regions: Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Renewable Focus: Expansion into wind energy and initial solar energy initiatives.
  • Policy Initiatives: Electricity Act (2003) and introduction of Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).
  • Development Activities: Wind energy became the fastest-growing segment, with installations across coastal and high wind potential areas. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat became key states. The MNRE also launched the Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) program.

2010-2020: National Solar Mission and State-Level Expansion

  • Key Regions: Expansion to Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
  • Renewable Focus: Solar energy witnessed rapid growth, along with steady growth in wind.
  • Policy Initiatives: The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010 aimed to make India a global leader in solar energy. Various states introduced solar policies.
  • Development Activities: Solar parks were established in Rajasthan (Bhadla Solar Park), Gujarat (Charanka Solar Park), and Karnataka (Pavagada Solar Park). Wind energy expanded significantly in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

2021-Present: Diversification and Hybrid Energy Systems

  • Key Regions: Further expansion in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
  • Renewable Focus: Solar and wind remain prominent, with an increased focus on hybrid projects and energy storage.
  • Policy Initiatives: Green Energy Corridor project, National Hydrogen Mission, and hybrid energy policies.
  • Development Activities: Development of large-scale solar parks, wind farms, and hybrid projects. The installation of rooftop solar increased in urban areas. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh became frontrunners in renewable energy capacity. Hydrogen projects were initiated as part of the National Hydrogen Mission, and energy storage projects, such as battery and pumped hydro, began gaining traction.

Regional Development Overview

  • Northern Region: Led by Rajasthan with extensive solar power development.
  • Western Region: Gujarat and Maharashtra focus on both solar and wind; Gujarat is also leading in solar rooftop installations.
  • Southern Region: Tamil Nadu remains a leader in wind energy, while Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have major solar and wind installations.
  • Eastern and North-Eastern Regions: Less development in comparison, with small-scale solar and hydro projects.

Illustration of Regional Development in Renewable Energy (Map Overview)

  1. North India:

    • Rajasthan: Major solar power capacity with Bhadla Solar Park.
    • Uttar Pradesh: Solar rooftop initiatives and small hydropower.

  2. West India:

    • Gujarat: Charanka Solar Park and wind energy installations.
    • Maharashtra: Wind energy and solar installations, including rooftop initiatives.

  3. South India:

    • Tamil Nadu: Leading in wind energy.
    • Karnataka: Pavagada Solar Park, wind energy installations.
    • Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Hybrid energy systems with solar and wind projects.

  4. East & North-East India:

    • West Bengal, Bihar, Assam: Small-scale solar projects and micro-hydro.

Development Highlights by Decade

  • 1970-1990: Foundation through bioenergy and small hydro.
  • 1990-2000: Institutional support, wind energy takes off.
  • 2000-2010: Wind expansion, initial solar.
  • 2010-2020: Solar dominance with the National Solar Mission.
  • 2021-Present: Focus on hybrid, hydrogen, and storage.

This regional development across decades reflects India's evolving focus on renewable energy, with regional specializations helping the country advance toward its renewable targets.

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