Renewable Energy in India: Policies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

The demand for energy is rising continuously, and the reasons are—economic development, urbanization, rising standard of living and increasing population. In India, 65% of the energy demand is currently met through power generated from fossil fuels, especially from coal-based power plants. These power plants are the highest contributor to the total greenhouse gas emissions in the country. The share of renewable energy is only 15%, excluding the hydropower. There are many countries in the developed world, which are aiming to become 100% reliant on renewable energy. Indian government is aiming to increase the contribution of renewable energy to honour the country’s commitment to reducing intensity of greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy is being considered as one of the main components of the renewable energy basket as the country receives 300 days of good solar radiation. This chapter focusses on the global discussion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions followed by the policies of the central government and the state governments in India to promote renewable energy, especially solar energy, to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. There are some states, which have actively engaged in renewable energy initiatives, and an analysis of the policies of these states is highlighted. The country-specific policy initiatives for those having a major share of renewable energy have been included in the chapter.