Electricity from Renewable Sources

June 2, 2023

Context:

While India may have internationally committed to half its installed electricity being sourced from renewable sources by 2030, an estimate of the country’s projected power needs by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) suggests that this target may be achieved early, by 2026-27.

Estimates of Central Electricity Authority:

Power from Non-fossil Sources: It notes that the share of non-fossil based capacity is likely to increase to 57.4% by the end of 2026-27 and may likely to further increase to 68.4% by the end of 2031-32 from around 42.5% as of April 2023.
Gap between installed capacity and power generation:
- Installed capacity, however, does not perfectly translate into generated power as different sources of energy have varying efficiencies, and not all sources of power are available at all times.
- For instance, solar power is available only during the day and wind energy is dependent on climate vagaries.
- Accounting for this, the available power from renewable energy will only be around 35.04% of the total generated electricity by 2026-27 and 43.96% by 2031-32.

Additional Information:

The National Electricity Plan (NEP) prepared by the CEA is a five-year plan that assesses India’s current electricity needs, projected growth, power sources, and challenges.
As per section 3 of the Electricity Act, 2003, Central Electricity Authority has been mandated to prepare a National Electricity Plan (NEP) in accordance with the National Electricity Policy and notify such plan once in five years.
CEA has notified the National Electricity Plan (NEP) for the period of 2022-32. The plan document includes
- The review of the last five years (2017-22)
- A detailed plan for the next five years (2022-27)
- The prospective plan for the next five years (2027-32)

About Central Electricity Authority:

Statutory body: The Central Electricity Authority is established under section 3 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948.
Composition: The Authority shall consist of not more than fourteen Members (including its Chairperson) of whom not more than eight shall be full-time Members to be appointed by the Central Government.
Headquarters: Delhi
Functions:
- To advise the Central Government on the matters relating to the national electricity policy.
- To formulate short-term and perspective plans for development of the electricity system and co-ordinate the activities of the planning agencies for the optimal utilisation of resources.
- To specify the technical standards for construction of electrical plants, electric lines and connectivity to the grid.
- To specify the safety requirements for construction, operation and maintenance of electrical plants and electric lines.