Renewable energy could generate 50% of electricity in India by 2040. India is the world’s largest democracy and the second most populous country with more than 1.3 billion individuals on the earth. World’s third largest producer & fourth largest consumer of electricity is India. Being a strategic commodity, energy plays an important role in economic development of the country. Availability of energy, land and water are some of the most important resources of India. India heavily depends on coal & holds third rank after China and USA in terms of coal fired power generation. As on 31st August 2017, India has an installed generation capacity of 329.2 GW & peak demand is about 163.2 GW. India’s energy landscape is changing promptly. Meanwhile, India has targeted a 275 GW of renewable energy by 2027.
NTPC is the largest thermal power generation company in India with power generating capacity of 51,708 MW at present and with a long-term plan to become 128 GW company by the year 2032. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited is the India’s largest electric power transmission utility and the central transmission utility of India. As on 31st March 2017, the total transmission capacity is 75,050 MW of the inter-regional links.
To reduce energy intensity in Indian economy, the Government of India under the provision of Energy Conservation Act 2001, has set up Bureau of Energy Effficiency (BEE) on 1st March 2002. In 2003, Central Electricity Regulatory Commision armed with the provisions in Electricity Act came out with the action plan of regulating the central power generation utilities and to transform Indian power sector. Now, consumer and distribuion companies have the freedom to buy electricity directly from the generating companies.
Solar Energy in Indian Context
Fossil fuel based power systems directly emit greenhouse gases to the environment, leading to serious environmental and health impacts. Renewable energy sources are clean & environment friendly, improves quality of human life by providing inexhaustible and enormous supply of energy. Solar energy has gained the highest growth rate worldwide due to potential availability, good visibility and safe use for small and large scales by commercial, residential & utility scale users.
Most parts of tropical country India, experience 250-300 clear sunny days in a year. The annual global radiation varies from 1600-2200 kWh/m2. Solar power is generated when energy from the Sun is converted into electricity or used to heat water, air or other fluids. Energy can be generated by two technologies namely solar photovoltaic (convert sunlight directly into electricity) and solar thermal (convert solar radiation into heat). Photovoltaic system can be installed on rooftop, integrated into building design and vehicles or scaled up-to megawatt scale power plants. Solar thermal is commonly used for hot water systems. Solar thermal electricity, also known as concentrating solar power, is typically designed for large scale power generation. Photovoltaic system can also be used in conjunction with concentrating mirrors or lenses for large scale centralised power. Solar thermal & photovoltaic technology can also be combined into a single system that generates both electricity & heat.
As on 31st July 2017, the cumulative installed capacity of solar energy is 13.6 GW. The Government of India has revised the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission target of grid connected solar power projects from 20 GW to 100 GW by 2022 to be achieved through rooftop solar power plant (40 GW) and ground mounted solar power plant (60 GW).
Major Government Initiatives
- Solar park scheme for setting up of over 50 solar parks & ultra mega solar power projects.
- Scheme for setting up 1000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Government of India organisations with Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
- Scheme for setting up 300 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by Defence Establishments and Para Military Forces with VGF.
- Pilot-cum-demonstration projects for development of grid connected solar PV power plants on canal banks and canal tops.
- Bundling Scheme – 15000 MW grid-connected solar PV power plants through NTPC Ltd/ NVVN.
- VGF Scheme for setting up of 2000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects through SECI.
- VGF Scheme for setting up of 5000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects through SECI.
- Installation of Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Power Plants.
Energy Storage Issues, Challenges & Prospects of Solar Power Sector in India
Solar irradiance is not stationary and this process change depends upon the time and day of the year. Usually, solar power plants are located in remote areas characterized by higher solar radiation, which can be very far from the load centre that accounts for very high transmission losses. Net power generation by solar power plant can be enhanced as dependent on radiation. Optimal use of existing distribution network and geographic information system enhances the system efficiency and reliability. Large scale power plants require approximately 2 hectare of land per MW of power. Small scale photovoltaic and concentrated solar power plants can be installed on existing structure such as rooftops.
Conclusion
With declining photovoltaic cost and downward trend in solar tariffs, solar power has come out as cheapest source of power. State sector and national solar mission has favorable policies for high yield solar market and local employement oppourtunities. In addition, there is a requirement of innovative solution for typical existing Indian rooftop challenge. The need of the day is to address the future issues and challenges for the increase volume of solar photo-voltaic waste over the next decade. Take back policy will not provide end of life recycle solution.
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