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Evaluate the hydro energy potential of India and elucidate the reasons behind its limited spatial distribution.
Hydro energy, also known as hydroelectric energy or hydropower, is a renewable energy source generated by the kinetic energy of flowing water. As of 2022, India boasted a hydroelectric capacity of 46,512 MW, constituting approximately 12% of the nation's total power generation capacity. This figureRead more
Hydro energy, also known as hydroelectric energy or hydropower, is a renewable energy source generated by the kinetic energy of flowing water. As of 2022, India boasted a hydroelectric capacity of 46,512 MW, constituting approximately 12% of the nation’s total power generation capacity. This figure underscores the substantial potential for hydro energy in India.
Hydro Energy Potential of India:
Reasons for Limited Spatial Distribution of Hydro Energy in India:
Way Forward
In conclusion, India possesses substantial hydro energy potential, but its spatial distribution is hindered by multiple factors. India’s ambitious goal of achieving 40 percent of its installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 emphasizes the significance of tapping into this potential. Through cooperative and determined endeavors, India can turn this aspiration into reality, fostering a cleaner and more diverse energy landscape, thereby securing a sustainable energy future for the nation.
See lessBringing out the availability of natural gas hydrates in India, discuss the promise as well as the challenges associated with their exploration.
Natural gas hydrates are a naturally occurring, ice-like combination of natural gas and water. These are crystalline forms of methane and water and exist in shallow sediments of outer continental margins. They are envisaged as a viable major energy resource for the future and are mainly found in oceRead more
Natural gas hydrates are a naturally occurring, ice-like combination of natural gas and water. These are crystalline forms of methane and water and exist in shallow sediments of outer continental margins. They are envisaged as a viable major energy resource for the future and are mainly found in oceans and polar regions.
Availability of natural gas hydrates in India:
Natural gas hydrates are of immense importance and promise in the following ways:
Despite their significance, the following challenges are associated with their exploration:
As one of the cleanest fossil fuel options, natural gas hydrates could be an important source of energy for future energy scenarios. It will become highly valued as a local energy resource, particularly for nations like India with limited conventional domestic energy options.
See lessIndia has the potential to generate 180,000 MW of ocean thermal energy, however, progress in this regard has been slow. In this context, highlight the associated challenges and suggest remedial measures.
Ocean Thermal Energy is harnessed through a process called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). OTEC is a process or technology for producing energy by harnessing the temperature differences (thermal gradients) between ocean surface waters and deep ocean waters. The OTEC system uses a temperatureRead more
Ocean Thermal Energy is harnessed through a process called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). OTEC is a process or technology for producing energy by harnessing the temperature differences (thermal gradients) between ocean surface waters and deep ocean waters. The OTEC system uses a temperature difference of at least 20 degrees Celsius to power a turbine to produce electricity. India has a theoretical potential of 180,000 MW of ocean thermal energy. India is geographically well-placed to generate ocean thermal energy, with around 2000 kms of coastal length along the South Indian coast, where a temperature difference of above 20 degree Celsius is available throughout the year.
To tap ocean thermal energy, the National Institute of Ocean Technology, under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is establishing an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant with a capacity of 65 kilowatts (kW) in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. The plant will power the one lakh litres per day low temperature thermal desalination plant, which converts seawater into potable water. The plant is the first of its kind in the world as it will generate drinking water from sea water using indigenous technology, green energy and environmentally friendly processes.
However, progress in this regard has been slow due to various challenges:
Remedial measures required in this context:
Ocean thermal energy has the potential to generate a constant, clean source of electricity unlike intermittent electricity from renewable resources like wind and solar. So, there is a need to create awareness about the potential of ocean thermal energy and its long-term benefits including reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
See lessThe high wind energy potential in India remains untapped due to various reasons. Discuss and suggest a way forward.
The National Institute of Wind Energy estimates a total wind energy potential of 302 Gigawatts (GW) at a hub height of 100 meters above ground, which more than doubles to over 695 GW at a hub height of 120 meters in India. In addition, India has a potential of 174 GW of offshore wind resources. EvenRead more
The National Institute of Wind Energy estimates a total wind energy potential of 302 Gigawatts (GW) at a hub height of 100 meters above ground, which more than doubles to over 695 GW at a hub height of 120 meters in India. In addition, India has a potential of 174 GW of offshore wind resources.
Even though there is a high potential for the wind industry in India, installations have slowed. For instance, the wind project activity in 2021 was lower than expected as only 1.45 GW of wind capacity was installed. Further, the total installed capacity in India is 39.25 GW, which is just a proportion of the above-mentioned wind energy potential.
The reasons behind the untapped wind energy potential in India include the following:
Steps to address the above-mentioned impediments include:
India is ramping up its efforts to decarbonize its economy with its commitment to turn Net Zero by 2070 and meet its updated nationally determined contributions (NDC) of getting 50 percent installed energy capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. To this end, investing in renewable sources of energy. particularly wind energy, is crucial.
See lessWhat are the different non-conventional energy sources available in India? Highlight their importance in providing eco-friendly energy.
Answer: The sources of energy that are being produced continuously in nature and are inexhaustible are called non-conventional energy sources (or) renewable sources of energy. Various non-conventional energy sources available in India include: Solar Energy: India receives solar energy in the range oRead more
Answer: The sources of energy that are being produced continuously in nature and are inexhaustible are called non-conventional energy sources (or) renewable sources of energy. Various non-conventional energy sources available in India include:
Importance of providing eco-friendly energy:
Due to the huge population and rapidly increasing urbanization, India’s energy requirement is very high. The potential shortages of oil and gas due to price rises raise uncertainties about the security of the energy supply in the future. Also, it is important to limit the consumption of fossil fuels in light of increased global warming. Therefore, many countries including India are committed to shifting towards renewable energy sources and are making efforts to achieve SDG-12 towards responsible consumption and production by 2030.
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