As the world grapples with the escalating challenges posed by climate change and depleting fossil fuel reserves, nations worldwide are increasingly turning their attention towards renewable energy sources to ensure sustainable development. In [Country Name], the current status of renewable energy sources reflects a significant stride towards a greener and more environmentally conscious future. The country has made commendable progress in harnessing solar, wind, and hydropower, with a growing emphasis on reducing dependency on conventional energy. To further solidify these efforts, [Country Name] has set ambitious targets for the expansion of renewable energy capacity, aiming to achieve a substantial percentage of its total energy consumption from clean sources in the coming years. Among the pivotal initiatives contributing to this green transition is the National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This program holds paramount importance as it addresses the crucial aspect of energy efficiency in lighting, a sector that traditionally consumes a significant portion of electrical energy. By encouraging the widespread adoption of LEDs, the nation aims not only to reduce electricity consumption but also to curtail carbon emissions, aligning with global commitments towards a low-carbon future. In essence, the National Programme on LEDs emerges as a strategic component in [Country Name]’s broader agenda for sustainable energy, playing a pivotal role in achieving the outlined targets and fostering a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape.
Tag: Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation
Decoding the Question:
- In Intro, try to introduce your answer with defining renewable energy.
- In Body,
- Discuss India’s renewable energy current status and targets to be achieved.
- Discuss importance of National LED based street and home lightening scheme.
- Try to conclude as per context of the question.
Answer
Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy, comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. For example, sunlight or wind keep shining and blowing, even if their availability depends on time and weather.
Status and Target concerning Renewable Energy in India:
In tune with increasing energy demand and as per India’s INDC provided to UNFCCC as part of Paris Climate pact, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set a target of 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022. This target has to have following components:
- Solar (utility-scale, distributed, off-grid/mini-grid – 100 GW)
- Wind (utility-scale – 60 GW)
- Small hydro (5 GW)
- Bioenergy (10 GW)
As of November 30, 2020, the installed renewable energy capacity stood at 90.39 GW, of which solar and wind comprised 36.91 GW and 38.43 GW, respectively. Biomass and small hydro power constituted 10.14 GW and 4.74 GW, respectively.
Apart from electricity generation in an environmentally friendly manner, in order to focus on efficient use of energy, a National Programme for LED-based Street and Home lightening was launched.
Importance of National LED-based home and street lightening:
- Energy conservation: LEDs have longer life (50,000 hours) and increased efficiency due to photosensitive semiconductor technology. Estimated savings of 100 b KWh (domestic) and 9 b KWh (street lighting).
- Reduced peak load as advantage for rural electrification: It is estimated to reduce the peak load by 20000 MW (domestic) and 1500 MW (street lighting). Reduced peak load and supply of LEDs would not help in rural electrification as well as rural development.
- Environment friendly: They have no mercury, and thus have zero negative environmental impact. It also helps in mitigating climate change by reducing the CO2 emission by 85 million tonnes annually.
- Economical: with increase in production and usage, their market price is poised to become competitive. Further, its impact in saving on electricity bills is an added advantage.
- Industry: It gives a boost to Make-in-India, by giving thrust to LED manufacturing, especially to the MSMEs. It would also promote employment.
Hence, this National Programme for LED- based home and street-based lighting will not only help facilitate India’s commitment to reducing its emission intensity GDP by 33-35% by 2030 under its INDC but also step towards bringing positive behavioral change in society by shifting to less energy consumption mode.
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