Renewable energy comes from natural resources that are continuously replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat.
Globally, about 16% of the total final energy consumption is from renewable sources.
The major contributors include traditional biomass (10%) used mainly for heating and hydroelectricity (3.4%).
Figure illustrates the worldwide renewable power capacity excluding hydroelectricity.
New renewable energy sources, including small hydro, modern biomass, wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuel, contribute an additional 3% to the global energy consumption, rapid growth.
The overall share of renewable energy in electricity generation is approximately 19%, with hydroelectricity providing 16% of global electricity and the newer renewable energy sources contributing 3%.Table below, presents the potential for various renewable energy resources worldwide.
More than half of the energy has been consumed in the last two decades since the industrial revolution, despite advances in efficiency and sustainability.
According to IEA (International Energy Agency) world statistics in four years (2004–2008),
- The global population increased by 5%.
- Annual CO2 emissions rose by 10%.
- Gross energy production also grew by 10%.
Indian Renewable Energy Availability
Renewable energy in India has developed significantly since 2011. As of December 2011, the installed capacity was around 22.4 GW, contributing to 12% of the total electricity generation. For context, Switzerland’s total capacity was about 18 GW in 2009.
By August 2011, India had achieved several milestones:
- Electricity to 8,846 remote villages
- 4.4 million family biogas plants
- 1,800 micro-hydel units
- 4.7 million square meters of solar water heating
India Installed Capacity of Renewable Energy till August 2011
Current Status (as of 2023)
India’s total installed renewable energy capacity has surpassed 170 GW, accounting for approximately 40% of its total power generation. This includes:
- Solar Energy: About 70 GW, driven by initiatives like the National Solar Mission and the development of solar parks and rooftop systems.
- Wind Energy: Over 40 GW, making it a primary renewable source.
- Biomass Energy: Potential capacity of around 25 GW.
- Hydropower: Estimated potential of over 150 GW with ongoing projects.
- Geothermal Energy: Emerging sector with identified potential sites in Ladakh and the Western Ghats.
- Tidal and Wave Energy: Still largely unexplored, with studies being conducted along the coastline.
Future Goals
- India aims to reach 500 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030, highlighting its focus on fighting climate change and supporting sustainable development.