Context:
Recently, The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released an updated report titled Report on Optimal Generation Mix 2030 Version 2.0.
- The report is an updated version of the 2020 report titled Report on Optimal Generation Capacity Mix for 2029-30
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy (Minerals and Energy resources)
Dimensions of the Article:
- Key highlights
- Challenges in Adopting Renewable Energy
- About Central Electricity Authority
Key highlights:
The report highlights the changes expected in India’s energy mix, with a decline in coal’s share and a rise in renewable energy (RE) sources.
- Decline in Coal’s Share: Coal’s share in the power mix is projected to decline from 73% in 2022-23 to 55% in 2030.
- Increase in Solar Energy: Solar energy is expected to play a significant role in the power mix, with projections indicating a quadrupling of solar capacity from 109 GW to 392 GW by 2030
- Contribution of Other RE Sources: Projections for large hydropower and wind energy remain modest in the future power mix. Renewable sources are expected to account for 31% of the power mix in 2030, compared to the current 12%.
- Wind generation, on the other hand, is projected to decrease to 9% in the updated version (from 12% in the previous report).
- Role of Natural Gas: Despite aspirations to increase the share of natural gas, its contribution to power generation remains small
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Power sector emissions are projected to rise by 11%, reaching 1.114 Gt CO2 in 2030, accounting for 10% of global power sector emissions
- Climate Commitments: CEA’s projections indicate that India is likely to over-achieve on its pledge to the Paris Agreement, with 62% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. The share will be 64% if nuclear power is considered.
Challenges in Adopting Renewable Energy:
- Intermittency and variability of renewable energy sources due to weather conditions make it difficult to match energy supply with demand and maintain grid stability.
- Integrating large-scale renewable energy into existing power grids can be complex, requiring upgrading of grid infrastructure and balancing mechanisms.
- Scaling up renewable energy installations requires significant land and resource availability, which can be challenging to identify suitable locations, acquire land, and address environmental concerns.
- Coal currently dominates the power sector in India, accounting for about 70% of electricity generation and providing significant direct and indirect employment.
- Transitioning away from coal can lead to job losses in the coal sector, and ensuring a smooth transition for affected communities is essential.
About Central Electricity Authority
- The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) was established in 1951 under the Electricity Supply Act 1948.
- The Act has been superseded by the Electricity Act 2003.
Functions:
- CEA advises the government of India on policy matters related to the development of electricity systems in the country.
- CEA formulates plans for the development of the electricity sector.
- CEA prepares the national electricity plan and tariff policy.
- CEA advises the central government on matters relating to the national electricity policy, rural electrification, hydropower development, etc.
- CEA specifies technical standards for construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical plants and electric lines.
- CEA specifies grid standards and safety requirements for operation and maintenance of transmission lines.
- CEA collects and records data on electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization.
- CEA promotes research and development in the field of electricity.
- CEA monitors the implementation of power projects and schemes.
- CEA coordinates with state governments, state electricity boards, regional power committees, etc. on electricity matters.
-Source: Down To Earth
