1: Introduction to India's Renewable Energy Landscape

- India, being the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is transitioning towards renewable energy to tackle climate change and meet the growing domestic energy needs.

- The country's burgeoning economy and increasing energy demands offer massive potential for its renewable energy sector.

- During 2023-24, India saw a 21% increase in its renewable energy capacity, adding 18.48 GW, driven mainly by solar (12.78 GW) and wind energy (2.27 GW).

- The total renewable energy capacity has seen a jump from 76.37 GW in 2014 to 178.98 GW in 2023, marking a 2.34 times increase.

2: India's Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets

- India's renewable energy agenda envisions an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of capacity from renewable sources by 2030, up from the previous goal of 450 GW.

- This target necessitates a significant surge in solar and wind energy and is backed by an estimated investment of ₹2.44 trillion.

- Solar power emerges as a crucial component, with 214 sq. km of land being dedicated to solar parks in the country.

- The rooftop solar program is aimed to provide up to 300 units of free electricity every month to 10 million households, saving each household between ₹15,000-₹18,000 annually.

3: Stumbling blocks in India's Renewable Energy Path

- High Initial Costs: The implementation of renewable technologies requires significant upfront investment, which can prove prohibitive, specifically in developing countries where borrowing costs are high.

- Infrastructure and Technical Challenges: Renewable energy systems mandate extensive land use, technical expertise, regular maintenance and skilled technicians which may cause conflicts over land rights.

- Unpredictability: The weather-dependent nature of solar and wind energy introduces the challenge of variability and intermittency, necessitating reliable energy storage systems and robust grid infrastructure.

- Regulatory Barriers: Inconsistent policies and complex permitting procedures can hinder investment and delay projects.

- Raw Material Access: Increased reliance on renewable energy technologies intensifies the demand for raw materials and rare earth metals, projecting a potential shortage.

- Geographical Disparities: Varying distribution of renewable resources along with varying infrastructure and resource availability can hinder renewable energy adoption.

4: Concerns over Food Security and Land Use

- Transitioning to renewable energy in India has to compete with alternative land uses such as agriculture and urbanisation.

- Large-scale renewable energy projects like solar parks demand extensive land use, which could lead to the conversion of agricultural land into solar farms, triggering concerns about food security.

- The necessary land for achieving India's renewable goals by 2030 (estimated between 50,000 and 75,000 sq. km) threatens India's food security as agriculture emerges as an essential sector providing livelihood and ensuring food security in India.

5: Towards a Sustainable Future – The Way Forward

- The pivot to renewable energy is essential to curb climate change impact and ensure sustainable development.

- It requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals for successful implementation.

- Policymakers need to reinforce clear and consistent policy signals to boost investment in renewable energy, accompanied by technological advancements to improve system efficiency and reliability.

- Public awareness programs and education are also vital to foster the adoption and acceptance of renewable energy technologies.