WHY IN THE NEWS?

India’s renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydroelectric projects, hit 100 GW (gigawatts) on 12th Aug 21, making it the world’s fourth-largest in terms of total installed green energy capacity.

The 100 GW renewable capacity accounts for 26% of India’s total installed generation capacity of 383 GW.

• It should be noted that in 2015, India had announced its plan to build 175 GW renewable energy capacity by 2022. This target has been enhanced to install 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

• Significance

• The milestone is commendable for the world’s third-largest polluter, as it has been achieved in a short span of five years.
• This milestone of reaching 100 GW, will help us to resist international pressure to declare a net-zero goal and India can call out the developed countries to increase their efforts to reduce carbon emission.
• It also shows India’s commitment to decarbonizing its economy and will meet its NDC (nationally determined contributions) targets for power generation from non-fossil fuel sources and emission reductions.