GS Paper III

News Excerpt:

Recently, data showed India’s progress, with its share of clean energy in power production rising from 17% to 23%. 

What is Clean energy? 

It is the energy that comes from renewable, zero-emission sources that do not pollute the atmosphere when used, as well as energy saved by energy-efficient measures.

For example: Solar energy, Wind energy, and Hydroelectric energy etc.

Status of BRICS countries:

• Brazil, Russia, South Africa, India and China make up a bloc of populous, fast-developing countries.
• Each has asked for more climate financing and equity through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concept of "common but differentiated responsibilities" - meaning rich countries that emitted the most historically should do more to address the problem.

• The reduction in the share of fossil fuels in China's power generation from 82% in 2000 to 65% in 2022 was unmatched among the BRICS nations. 
• However, China leads the world in both clean and dirty energy, with more renewable energy capacity and more coal consumption than any other country globally.
• Responsible for about 30% of annual global emissions, China is the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitter.

• India’s status: India's progress has been relatively slow with its share of clean energy in power production rising from 17% to 23% in this period. India, last year, proposed widening a deal on phasing down coal to include oil and gas. It won backing from more than 80 countries, but Saudi Arabia and other oil and gas producers blocked it.
• Saudi Arabia: Over 99% of Saudi Arabia's power is produced by fossil fuels - about 67% of which is from gas.
• Saudi Arabia has the highest such percentage, as the UAE improved its clean coal to renewable energy. 
• Brazil: It is among the only two countries in BRICS, along with Ethiopia, where the share of clean energy in power generation is higher than fossil's share.
• In fact, in both countries, clean fuel contributes to over 90% of generation. 
• In past summits, Brazil has spear-headed negotiations on rules for carbon credit markets, through which it plans to monetise its vast forests.
• South Africa, where fossil fuel's share in power generation is still very high at 86%, with a meagre shift recorded in past years, secured a 2021 deal for $8.5 billion from the EU, United States and other nations to help its shift from coal to renewable energy.
• But the country now is facing its worst power crisis, with rolling black-outs and ageing coal plants frequently breaking down.

Status of Indian States:

• Only the top 15 States in terms of power generation are selected.
• Gujarat has recorded a drastic decrease in its usage of fossil fuels for power generation from 80% in 2019 to 60% in 2022.
• Rajasthan along with Gujarat, has recorded a decline.
• Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh are the only States among the top 15 producers where the share of clean energy is already higher.
• Tamil Nadu was inching closer to the 50:50 mark but progress has stagnated in recent years.
• On the other hand, the share of fossil fuel in power generation was more than 90% consistently in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Bihar.
• In the four years considered, the share has not budged at all in these States.
• Odisha's fossil fuel usage has shown an increase in recent years along with Punjab.

Way Forward:
India can enhance its renewable energy capability and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels by adopting a holistic and cohesive strategy that tackles diverse facets. It will be essential for the government, business community, and civil society to work together to successfully implement plans for Clean energy development.

Mains PYQ

Q 'Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC 2022)

Q Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth. (UPSC 2014)