New Delhi – A sustainable, renewable energy-based economy, where as much as 90 per cent of India’s total primary energy supply is based on renewable sources, could theoretically be achieved, according to a report released in December 2013 by WWF-India and TERI, at WWF-India, New Delhi.
The study examines the possibility of a near 100% Renewable Energy Scenario (REN) for India by the middle of the century against a reference scenario in which the economy is likely to be dependent primarily on fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas. ‘100% Renewable Energy by 2050 for India’ is a sequel report to ‘100% Renewable Energy by 2050’ released by WWF International in 2011 that researched the technical potential and long term economic viability of a renewable energy-based future at the global level.
In 2010, fossil fuels accounted for 74 per cent of the total energy consumed in India – a scenario that is undesirable in the long term both from an environmental as well as energy security perspective. This study, therefore, looks at an alternative and more favourable growth path that would entail larger deployment of renewables- solar, wind and hydro – as main fuels for electricity generation, with second-generation and algal biofuels meeting the additional demands of the transport sector. It observes that aggressive efficiency improvements also have a large potential across energy demand and supply sides and could bring in large savings – of the order of 59 per cent by 2050.
In order to achieve such a sustainable, renewable energy-based future for the Indian economy, the report recommends timely availability of alternative commercially-viable technological solutions across sectors, rapid scaling-up, together with accelerated strengthening of supporting infrastructure. It further advocates the development of appropriate skill-sets, regulatory and institutional frameworks and adequate manufacturing capacities.
Dr. Leena Srivastava, Executive Director (Operations), TERI, & Vice Chancellor, TERI University, on the occasion, said, “Blessed with an abundant endowment of renewable energy sources, India urgently needs to design innovative policies and mechanisms by which to transform its energy future to a secure and sustainable renewable resource base. This study explores the limits of ambition that India can aspire for in its quest for energy security and a greater energy independence.”
Speaking on the necessity of making the transition to renewable energy, Mr. Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO, WWF-India, said, “While the government has taken certain measures for the promotion of renewables, these need to be scaled up and expedited. Besides the government, other stakeholders including the industry as well as citizens need to play a proactive role. ‘Renewables as the new normal’ should be something that we should all strive for. This report is a step forward in that direction.”
The report, ‘100% Renewable Energy by 2050 for India’, therefore, attempts to provide a larger vision and direction for the paradigm shift to renewables by the middle of the century through transformational technological and policy shifts.
Click here to read/download the Full Report.
Source: WWF & TERI.
About WWF-India
WWF-India is one of India’s leading conservation organizations with programmes and projects spread across the country. The organisation works towards the conservation of biodiversity, natural habitats and the reduction of humanity’s ecological footprint. The mission of WWF-India is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. For more information, visit www.wwfindia.org.
About TERI
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is a dynamic and flexible organization with a global vision and a local focus. A unique developing country institution, TERI is an independent, non-profit research organization focusing on energy, environment and sustainable development. Its mission is ‘to develop and promote technologies, policies and institutions for efficient and sustainable use of natural resources’. For more information, visit www.teriin.org.
