IT'S NOW OR NEVER

Clean energy sectors need demand-driven markets and domestic industries that can cater to the entire value chain

- NIVIT KUMAR YADAV, BINIT DAS, RAHUL JAIN, ARVIND POSWAL, VAANI KHANNA

INDIA'S RENEWABLE energy push has not just helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions from thermal power generation, but also fuelled economic development and improved electricity access and security. Globally, India now ranks fourth in renewable energy capacity, with 145 GW of installed capacity (excluding large hydropower), as per data with the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Government programmes in bioenergy, wind and solar power have driven these advancements. To sustain this growth, the country needs a thorough assessment of the barriers to clean energy transition, focusing on implementation challenges in each sector. It also needs structured interventions that create demand-driven markets for wind, solar and bioenergy, and facilitate a domestic industry, covering the entire value chain.

COMPRESSED BIOGAS: TAP THE POTENTIAL

Compressed biogas (CBG), a non-fossil fuel produced from feedstock such as agricultural residue and solid waste, is a cleaner alternative to imported compressed natural gas or CNG (CBG and CNG have similar properties and calorific values). India aims to establish 5,000 CBG projects across the country under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme. But the sector faces some key challenges.

Many CBG plants are operating below their designed capacity. Insufficient feedstock procurement impedes operations. Limited CNG infrastructure curbs potential to extend gas pipelines to CBG plants, hampering gas sales. Expanding gas pipeline around the plants can ensure complete gas offtake. In rural areas, incentivising the conversion of tractors and two-wheelers to use CBG can create a demand for the fuel.