India must allot at least 1.7% landmass to reach net-zero: report

1.7% is the minimum amount of land needed for solar generation alone.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) released a report on the calculation of the landmass needed for solar and wind generators if India will implement a 2050 net-zero target.

According to the report's author, Dr. Charles Worringham, the amount of land needed for solar is at least 1.7% up to 2.5% of India’s total landmass. This is equivalent to at least 50,000 to 75,000 square kilometres (km2) of land.

Meanwhile, for wind, 1,500 to 2,000 km2 are needed for turbine pads, sub-stations, roads, and buildings or 15,000 to 20,000 km2 for the total project area including space between turbines and other infrastructure.

These ranges, however, are "deliberately generous to allow plenty of leeway for planning," Worringham said.

“This is a precautionary approach for the purposes of planning and putting in place smart land-use policies today for future renewable infrastructure,” he added.

Throughout the report, it was reiterated that judicious planning of land use for solar and wind generation will help India achieve its renewable energy ambitions.