The government aims to raise the share of non-fossil fuel in India s electricity generation capacity to 50% by 2030, according to MNRE Secretary Bhupinder Singh Bhalla. Currently, non-fossil fuel-based capacity constitutes about 42% of India s installed energy generation. Bhalla mentioned this during his address at the World Hydrogen Summit 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on May 15, 2024. He highlighted a 10.79% increase in non-fossil fuel-based capacity addition in 2023-24 compared to the previous year.
The government plans to double annual solar capacity addition. Concerns about the electricity grid s ability to handle this surge can be addressed by involving nuclear plants, reducing coal-based plants technical limit, and utilizing wind and hydro power. Upgrades and smart metering will also support solar expansion.
The government invites bids for the development of 4 GW offshore wind energy projects off the coast of Tamil Nadu. The bids are being called by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy through Solar Energy Corporation of India. No Viability Gap Funding is given for the open access bids. The renewable energy generated will be sold to high-tariff entities such as industries. Offshore wind turbines offer advantages like no land constraints and higher efficiencies compared to on-shore wind turbines.
The Union Budget for 2024-25 has allocated Rs 600 crore for the National Green Hydrogen Mission, a 102% increase from the previous year. This mission aims to establish India as a global manufacturing hub for green hydrogen. The mission targets a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 million metric tonnes per annum by 2030 and the addition of 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. It also envisions an investment of over Rs 8 lakh crore and the creation of 6 lakh jobs by 2030.