In 2015, Sweden came up with an ambitious goal to go
100% fossil free.
Earth is warming and we need to avoid it
getting worse. The primary reason
causing warming is the manmade release of CO2 from the fossil fuel use. Since industrialization,
energy has been predominant in all our uses. It is unimaginable for a world
without electricity, petrol and diesel. Hence it’s imperative to find alternative
forms of energy that meets our demand without altering the climate. And this is
possible only with renewable energy (RE)
sources.
It is possible to meet the entire
world’s energy demands with renewable energy; Its only a matter of time and
political will. There are many myths associated with renewable energy. First
and foremost is the perception that renewable energy is expensive. In recent
years, the cost of solar and wind energy has declined substantially and in few
years time, it will be cheaper
than fossil fuels. Deutsche bank estimates show that the economics of solar has
improved significantly due to reduction in solar panel costs, financing costs
and balance of system costs with overall 15% CAGR cost reduction over the past
8 years and expects another 40% cost reduction over the next 4-5 years.
The second common myth is that the renewable energy
is not reliable and cannot provide 24*7 supply. This is absolutely false. RE Technology has improved so much that it is completely
reliable, safe and can meet all our energy demands. The transition from coal to
renewable is possible in few years time.
India’s RE future
Wind mill Image source:youthforumonforeignpolicywordpress.com |
India is the 3rd largest energy consumer
in the world and much of it is from fossil fuels. In order to effectively combat
climate change, India needs to do its due share. It has already committed to
increase the share of renewable energy in the total energy to 40%. The main
focus is on solar and wind energy. The commitment to increase solar power from
30 GW to 175 GW by 2022 is a huge opportunity for energy deficit India for rural
electrification.
Solar panels Image Source: http://www.industrytap.com/india- commits-40-renewable-energy-mix-2030/35789 |
As economist Jeremy Rifkin said, while
speaking in New Delhi in 2012: “India is
the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy sources and, if properly utilized, India
can realize its place in the world as a great power — but political will is
required for the eventual shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.”
To secure its energy future, India
needs to increase energy efficiency, promote renewable energy, increase decentralized
energy system and bring in strong policies. With these in place, the transition to 100% renewable energy is
both possible and affordable.
Countries around the globe is increasing investment in renewable energy. Many
developed countries like Germany, Denmark already has high share of renewable energy. It is very important that developed
countries must help developing countries with technology and money to support
their energy demands. Only then the entire world can combat climate change together
and let coal remain grounded.
Anu Kuncheria
anukuncheria@gmail.com
anukuncheria@gmail.com
References:
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climatechange/energyrevolution/renewable-energy-myths/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strong-future-forecast-for-renewable-energy/
http://www.ecowatch.com/5-countries-leading-the-way-toward-100-renewable-energy-1881999459.html
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