Can renewable sources provide a solution to climate change and what are the sustainable development goals in India for energy?

Dear Naresh,

Renewable sources have emerged as a promising solution to mitigate climate change due to their inherent environmental benefits. By harnessing the power of solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and foster sustainable economic growth. In the context of India, the nation has set ambitious sustainable development goals (SDGs) to address its energy challenges while ensuring sustainability. These goals include:

1. Increasing the share of renewable energy: India aims to substantially increase the capacity and share of renewable energy in the national energy mix. The target is to achieve 40% of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. This endeavor aligns with SDG 7, which promotes affordable and clean energy.

2. Enhancing energy efficiency: India recognizes the importance of energy efficiency in achieving sustainability and has set a goal of reducing energy intensity by 33-35% by 2030. This goal resonates with SDG 12, which emphasizes responsible consumption and production patterns.

3. Electrification of transport: India seeks to promote electric mobility as a means to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the transportation sector. The government aims to achieve 30% electric vehicle penetration by 2030, in line with SDG 11, which encourages sustainable cities and communities.

4. Access to clean cooking solutions: Recognizing the health and environmental hazards associated with traditional cooking methods, India aims to ensure universal access to clean cooking solutions by promoting the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biogas, and electric cooking appliances. This objective aligns with SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.

5. Promoting research and development: India is focusing on fostering innovation, research, and development in renewable energy technologies, including energy storage, grid integration, and smart grids. This goal aligns with SDG 9, which emphasizes industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

It is noteworthy that India's sustainable development goals for energy go beyond environmental factors, encompassing socioeconomic development, poverty eradication, and inclusive growth. By integrating renewable sources into the energy landscape, India aspires to achieve sustainable development while addressing the pressing issue of climate change.

Dr Arman Mirzakhani thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Renewable energy sources which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air. Renewable energy and electrification alone can deliver 75% of energy-related CO2 emissions reductions needed. Renewable and energy efficiency, boosted by substantial electrification, can provide over 90% of the necessary reductions in energy-related carbon emissions. Renewable energy is widely viewed as playing a central role in climate change mitigation and a clean energy transition. Most kinds of renewable energy are also “carbon-free”: they do not emit CO2 or other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. However, it is also important to consider how these resources can be used long term. Some resources will practically never run out. These are known as renewable resources. Renewable resources also produce clean energy, meaning less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Of all the renewable energy sources that exist, the most pollution is created from biomass. The burning of wood, solid waste, and leftover plant life used in food production, can create significant air pollution. Although renewable energy sources have major advantages over fossil fuels, they also raise some environmental concerns. Many renewable energy technologies are ready for accelerated deployment, but research and development are still needed to reduce their environmental impacts. They differ from fossil fuels principally in their diversity, abundance and potential for use anywhere on the planet, but above all in that they produce neither greenhouse gases which cause climate change nor polluting emissions. Primary goals of sustainability are to achieve gender equality, end of poverty and hunger; better standards of education and healthcare mainly as it pertains to water quality and better sanitation, and sustainable economic growth while promoting jobs and stronger economies.The four main types of alternative energy sources are harnessed from natural processes such as water, wind, and sunlight. They are the most sustainable forms of energy. Sunlight is one of the main renewable sources of energy we know of today.