The Role of Solar, Wind, and Hydro in the Green Energy Revolution

India is making significant strides in its renewable energy sector, with solar, wind, and hydropower playing critical roles in the nation’s renewable energy revolution. As of October 2024, India’s total renewable energy capacity reached over 200 GW, accounting for 46.3% of the country's total installed capacity. This milestone is the result of years of consistent efforts to harness India’s natural resources.

From expansive solar parks and wind farms to innovative hydroelectric projects, India has steadily built a diverse renewable energy mix. This not only aligns with India’s ambitious target to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power generation capacity by 2030 but also unlocks the path to a sustainable future. So, let’s explore how these green energy sources are shaping our future and redefining the way we produce and consume power.

Solar Energy: Lighting the Path to Sustainability

Solar energy is virtually limitless and available throughout the year in India. In fact, green solar energy in India has a remarkable potential of 748 GW, making it a viable choice for homes, industries, and even entire cities. As more solar panels are installed on rooftops and solar farms convert sunlight into electricity, India’s dependence on fossil fuels diminishes.

Besides lowering greenhouse gas emissions, solar energy can also make clean energy accessible to diverse populations, from rural regions to urban areas. What’s more, it creates jobs in installation, manufacturing, and maintenance while also attracting investments from global and domestic players.

At Jindal India Renewable Energy Limited, one of our key areas of focus is solar cells and photovoltaic (PV) modules. They can help lower the cost of solar technology, reduce reliance on imports, and make solar energy an economically viable alternative for households and small businesses alike.

Wind Energy: Turning Breezes into Renewable Power

Wind energy has become synonymous with large, towering turbines spread over large landscapes. Wind farms, both onshore and offshore, are instrumental in reducing carbon emissions and strengthening national energy security. In fact, India ranks fourth globally in wind power capacity thanks to its extensive coastline and windy terrains, particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

Wind energy works exceedingly well in combination with solar energy by providing energy during night hours and less sunny periods and creating a balanced and reliable renewable energy grid. Moreover, wind energy has one of the lowest operational costs among renewable sources. Once turbines are installed, they produce energy at a stable, predictable rate, helping stabilise energy prices over time.

At Jindal India Renewable Energy Limited, we are exploring the integration of solar and wind power to develop hybrid renewable energy systems. Combining these sources can help overcome intermittency issues that are common with standalone solar or wind power plants. Plus, battery energy storage systems (BESS) can contribute to grid stability and renewable integration.

Hydropower: The Backbone of Renewable Energy

Being the largest renewable source of electricity, hydropower can generate more electricity than all other renewable technologies combined. Undoubtedly, it has a key role in India’s renewable energy revolution. Hydropower projects in the country have been pivotal in providing electricity to remote regions and supporting large-scale industries. Large hydro projects currently generate 46.92 GW, and small hydropower accounts for 5.07 GW of electricity from India’s rivers and water systems.

What’s great about hydropower is that it complements solar and wind power by balancing the energy supply during non-sunny or non-windy days. Plus, hydropower plants, especially pumped storage systems, act as natural batteries. They store energy during low-demand periods and release it during peak demand, ensuring grid stability and flexibility. Not to forget about its economic and social benefits, such as employment creation and infrastructure improvements.

3. Reducing transmission losses

As you know our Jindal India Power Plant, Odisha is set up in Derang village, similarly many renewable projects are also being established in rural or remote areas. Transmitting power over long distances can lead to significant energy losses. Energy storage systems, however, can help solve this problem by storing power close to the point of consumption. This not only improves energy efficiency but also makes renewable energy in India affordable and accessible.

Key Takeaways

The renewable energy revolution is not just a shift in how we produce electricity; it’s a movement towards a greener, more sustainable planet. Achieving a sustainable future requires continued innovation, investment, and collaboration between governments, industries, and communities. Jindal India Renewable Energy Limited hopes to accelerate this transition and make sustainability a reality.