Overview of the initiatives in renewable energy sector under the national action plan on climate change in India

The increased fossil fuel use worldwide in past several decades has led to enhanced green house gas emissions leading to climate change issues. India is the fourth largest CO2emitter in the world after China, USA and European Union. Its power sector is contributing nearly half of carbon emissions which is largely based on fast depleting fossil fuels with little share from nuclear, hydro and renewable energy sources. India׳s rapid economic growth is placing enormous pressure on its energy resources besides impacting the environment. The demand and supply imbalance in energy sector requires serious efforts to utilize renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. In order to address these issues India has launched a National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with eight “National Missions” to promote development while addressing climate change issues effectively. In this direction the Indian government has taken several steps recently for the promotion of renewable energy in the country under the National Action Plan for Climate Change. The main objective of the study is to review various initiatives in renewable energy sector with focus on climate change concerns and power generation under various components of NAPCC. The initiatives under the plan are critically examined and gaps in the implementation are identified. The current state of utilization of renewable energy sources namely solar, wind, hydro and bio-energy are presented considering technological developmental challenges. The need for effective inputs on resource and technological development mechanisms for renewable energy exploitation in the country are highlighted. The issues discussed in the study will be beneficial for long-term economic development of the country besides addressing climate change concerns.