World Environment Day & Renewable Energy : And how states like Gujarat and North East have to play their roles

 New Delhi 

On World Environment Day, there is a general concern globally that adequate steps ought to be taken for safeguarding the planet Earth. Experts suggest embracing renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable transportation.In other words, they talk about eco-friendly practices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target to achieve 50% carbon-free energy and 100% electric vehicle usage in India by 2030. India has progressively decoupled economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the Net Zero Emissions target by 2030 by Indian Railways alone will reduce emissions by 60 million tonnes annually. Similarly, India's massive UJALA LED bulb campaign is reducing emissions by 40 million tonnes annually. The National Hydrogen Mission is aimed to make India the world's largest hydrogen hub.

Even though it supports the second largest population in the world, India’s sustained efforts have ensured that its per capita Carbon-di-oxide emissions are much lower than the global average. 

The US emits 14.7 tonnes per capita, China emits 7.6 tonnes per capita, while India’s CO2 emissions amount to 1.8 tonnes per capita.

There are broadly two ways of handling the issues of the environment. Firstly, take the peopleback to the fields and valleys and enforce a life closer to 'good old nature friendly gestures'. Secondlyuse of modern technology where we ought to.The northeastern states fall in the first category and states such as Gujarat or Karnataka may fall in secondcategory.

Now, the Gujarat government has taken a significant step by signing an MoU with the Tata Group on June 2for manufacturing of lithium-ion cells. 

"This strategic partnership marks a milestone for Gujarat as it will become the first state in the country to initiate the production of lithium-ion cells," a spokesman for Gujarat government said. This move highlights the state's commitment to promoting clean energy technologies and fostering the growth of the electric vehicle sector in India.

"The efforts of the Gujarat government and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will not only create a sustainable energy ecosystem in Gujarat but also contribute significantly in achieving  low carbon emission targets," the spokesman

said. On the other hand, let us take the northeast of India.

In March 2019, the Government announced large hydro-power plants to capitalize on the hitherto untapped regions of the North East to explore the full extent of this green energy. The Government of India has also found rejuvenated strength and perception in the North East Renewable Energy efforts. 

To ensure effective regulatory environments and private sector participation, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh instituted the Small Hydropower Policy to promote private participation in development of small hydro projects.The Centre also supported renewable power generation through special incentives for the North East Region and Sikkim, where a capital grant of Rs 22.5 million per MW is available for small hydro projects.

States like Sikkim have also created power policies to facilitate capital investments to promote renewable energy.

There are reasons for encouraging solar energy.

Solar energy works as a dependable and sustainable energy source, fostering energy independence while enhancing access and also lowering energy prices.It can be also pointed out that solar energy reduces dependence on non-renewable resources and decreases reliance on foreign sources of oil and gas. In addition, by embracing solar power, we can promote energy independence and security for our communities and nations. 

The Ministry of New Renewable Energy has pushed the Viability Gap Funding which holds a highly ambitious plan to increase solar rooftop capacities by 2700 MW. The centre has already sanctioned or approved projects with capacities upwards of 55MWp in various North Eastern states. Officials say the solar street lights are another front on which northeast states have furthered solar energy usage.An estimated 1 million of them are already functional in the northeast region.

 The north-eastern states have one of the lowest per capita electricity consumption rates in the country: there are still roughly 4.85 million households – more than 50 per cent in the region -- that do not have access to electricity. In fact, the per capita electricity consumption in the region is as low as some of the least developed nations.

The situation is compounded by the fact that the current government schemes to provide electricity are primarily based on grid expansion. This model has so far not been able to provide electricity to the poor in the country, and may yet fail to do so.

Under Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat is taking a lead to make India a ‘Net Zero Carbon Emission’ country by 2070. On the World Environment Day, the state government announces the success of achieving a 55% reduction in carbon emissions in energy production after the implementation of New Solar Policy 2021. The state government initiated the Gujarat Solar Policy 2021 on 29 December 2020 and in the last 2.5 years, 9.32 million tonnes  of less carbon has been emitted in energy production across Gujarat.