A. Vinod Kumar replies: Countries with bigger populations and economies like India do not have the luxury of relying solely on one single source of energy. Hence, bigger nations prefer an energy mix that enables them to harness a variety of energy sources.
China has managed to establish an edge in solar energy manufacturing and technology, and any shift in its solar policy is likely to affect countries looking to increase their solar energy capacity.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit on 11 March marks an important milestone in India’s leadership efforts to build a clean and sustainable global energy future.
India should invest in creating a competitive solar module sector across the manufacturing chain, from procuring primary resources to the finished product.
According to a recent report, India will need 3, 128 Trillion watt hour per year (TWH) of electrical energy in the future if it adopts a frugal policy for energy use. This annual need could be met through renewable energy sources alone in the form of solar power (photovoltaic [PV] and thermal), wind, and hydroelectric power. But is this change in energy mix really feasible?
Can renewables make India energy secure?
India should invest in creating a competitive solar module sector across the manufacturing chain, from procuring primary resources to the finished product.