Defending India’s stance on green energy

In his recent speech, Prime Minister Modi highlighted a key fact – India, despite having 17% of the world’s population, is responsible for only 4% of global carbon dioxide emissions. This statement highlights India’s responsible approach to growth and commitment to transition to green energy sources.

India’s energy consumption almost doubled between 2000 and 2015, yet per capita energy demand remains low, at around one-third of the global average and well below levels reported by the United States and the European Union. This discrepancy highlights India’s sustainable approach to development, which prioritizes the well-being of its citizens while maintaining a relatively small carbon footprint.

In this article, I defend the Prime Minister’s claim that India could have chosen non-renewable energy sources to fuel its economic growth. As a responsible nation, India has decided to use renewable energy to power its future. India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to quickly achieve 175 gigawatts of renewable capacity. This commitment to clean energy is a testament to India’s commitment to environmental stewardship and recognition of the urgent need to address global climate change.

The Indian renewable energy sector has experienced significant growth in recent years. Since 2014, the country’s renewable energy capacity has more than doubled, reaching over 100 gigawatts in 2021. This growth has been driven by proactive government policies and initiatives such as the Integrated Energy Development Program, the Restructured Accelerated Energy Development and Reform Program, the Scheme Program Saubhagya and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.

Moreover, India has diversified its renewable energy mix by focusing on solar, wind and hydropower. The country’s solar power capacity has increased exponentially, from just 2.6 gigawatts in 2014 to over 47 gigawatts in 2021. This extraordinary growth in solar power has contributed to India’s overall renewable energy goals. However, it has also helped improve energy access in rural areas, where 44% of households now have access to reliable and efficient electricity.

The shift to renewable energy has environmental benefits and noteworthy economic impacts for India. The renewable energy sector in India has created numerous employment opportunities, with the solar industry alone employing over 100,000 people. The adoption of renewable energy has helped reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels, reducing the country’s vulnerability to fluctuations in global oil and gas prices.

The Prime Minister’s statement on India’s responsible approach to development was further reinforced by the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions. India has committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving 40% of its total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil energy resources in the same year.

Emerging countries are paying for the historical evil of the West. India, although not primarily responsible for the current state of global warming, does have a responsibility to meet this challenge. This strong stance reflects India’s leadership in the global fight against climate change and India’s determination to ensure a sustainable future for its people and the planet.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s remarks on India’s low greenhouse gas emissions and responsible transition to green energy can be substantiated with logic and facts. India’s commitment to renewable energy, ambitious targets and active participation in international climate change agreements and climate finance demonstrate its sincere efforts to contribute to global environmental solutions.

Writer Kishore holds a PGDM from XISS and a PhD in Strategic CSR from Santiniketan. He works as a manager at HPPI in New Delhi and participates in IICA’s HP Impact – ESG Certified Professional Program (opinions are personal).