Q6. How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?
Possible Introductions
Definitional framing:
Energy independence means meeting national energy demand from indigenous, clean, and sustainable sources without relying on imports. For India, aspiring to be energy independent by 2047, clean technologies and biotechnology will be the twin pillars of this transformation.
Contextual framing:
Currently, India imports 85% of crude oil and ~50% of natural gas, making its economy vulnerable to global shocks. Shifting to renewables, hydrogen, nuclear, and bio-based energy is both a climate and strategic necessity.
Current affairs framing:
India’s vision of energy independence by 2047, with initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, BioE3 Policy, and Mission LiFE signal the core intent to integrate clean technology with sustainable behaviour and the country’s growth.
Directive Analysis
“How can India achieve” → List and explain pathways such as renewables, hydrogen, mobility, nuclear, manufacturing, just transition.
“How can biotechnology play a role” → Discuss biofuels, waste-to-energy, biohydrogen, mineral recovery, and carbon sequestration.
Body of the Answer
1. Scaling up Renewable Energy Generation
-
- India targets 1,800 GW renewable capacity by 2047, largely from solar and wind.
- PM Surya Ghar and offshore wind projects expand clean generation, while pumped hydro and storage stabilise intermittency.
- Decentralised solar pumps under PM-KUSUM will boost rural access and agriculture.
- X-Factor: India is already 4th largest globally in renewable energy capacity.
2. Transitioning to Green Hydrogen
-
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a production hub and exporter by 2047.
- Green hydrogen will decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and heavy transport.
3. Promoting Green Mobility
-
- India’s targets transitioning to EVs, supported by charging networks, domestic battery manufacturing, and battery swapping policies.
- EVs and green river vessels (like MV Guh and MV Nishadraj) will cut oil imports and urban air pollution.
4. Investing in Nuclear Energy
-
- Nuclear offers stable, low-carbon baseload power.
- India plans to increase nuclear capacity tenfold by 2047, encouraging private participation.
- Diversifies energy sources beyond intermittent renewables.
5. Strengthening Grid Infrastructure & Manufacturing
-
- Smart grids, hybrid projects, and large-scale storage are crucial to integrate renewables.
- PLI schemes for solar modules, batteries, and electrolysers reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic supply chains.
Role of Biotechnology in Energy Independence
a. Biofuels & Bioenergy
-
- Second-generation biofuels from agri-residues, and compressed biogas (CBG) from initiatives like GOBAR-Dhan and SATAT, reduce oil and LPG imports while leveraging India’s agricultural base.
b. Bio-hydrogen & Bio-methane
-
- Microbial processes can generate hydrogen and methane from organic waste, complementing India’s hydrogen goals.
- BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture) could deliver negative emissions.
c. Resource Recovery for Batteries
-
- Bio-leaching of lithium, cobalt, and rare earths from e-waste reduces dependence on imported minerals essential for EVs and storage.
d. Energy Efficiency & Waste Management
-
- Bioremediation of wastewater and landfill gases allows methane recovery, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
- X-Factor: DBT initiatives have demonstrated bioremediation of mangrove lands in Indian Sunderbans.
e. Carbon Sequestration
-
- Microbial and plant-based technologies support afforestation and carbon capture, aligning with India’s climate commitments.
Possible Conclusions
Future-oriented:
By scaling renewables, hydrogen, nuclear, and biotechnology, India can secure energy independence by 2047, turning its import vulnerability into an innovation-led opportunity and achieving the dream of Bharat to be Atmanirbhar in the field of energy.
Policy-oriented:
Policies like Mission LiFE, BioE3 Policy, and National Green Hydrogen Mission illustrate India’s seriousness in incorporating biotechnology in the clean energy transition.
Philosophical:
India’s civilisational ethos of harmony with nature can guide the world in achieving energy prosperity without compromising sustainability.
