Installed solar in India increased over 25 times between 2014-2023

However, authorities also noted risks with large-scale phasing-in of clean energy.

The government of India has released its Economic Survey 2023-2024 that said the country’s installed solar power capacity has “drastically” increased by over 25 times between 2014 to 2023.

“However, several risks are associated with the large-scale phasing-in of renewables, such as intermittency, grid integration, backup power generation, storage, etc.,” the report noted. “It is important to supplement with other non-fossil fuel sources such as nuclear, biofuels, and hydrogen.”

Another important area that India should focus on is the adoption of cleaner coal technologies and more efficient energy solutions.

Some of the country’s current initiatives related to cleaner coal include the coal gasification mission, extraction of coal bed methane gases, exploring coal to hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and coal beneficiation through washeries.

“Such diversification will help minimise risks associated with energy systems while pursuing low-emission pathways in line with national commitments,” the report said.