Renewable Energy

Sources
BTEL15701
 CH: 1 INTRODUCTION
• Principles of renewable energy; energy and
sustainable development, fundamentals and
social implications. worldwide renewable
energy availability, renewable energy
availability in India, brief descriptions on solar
energy, wind energy, tidal energy, wave
energy, ocean thermal energy, biomass
energy, geothermal energy, oil shale.
Energy and sustainable
development
 The Role of Renewable Energy in
Sustainable Development
• Long-term action is required to find effective solutions to global
environmental issues.
• The power industry has been driven to devise innovative
decarbonization strategies because of climate change.
• Sustainable development incorporates cultural, physical, and economic
factors to provide perfect balance and a high standard of living.
• As the world struggles to reduce its reliance on limited and polluting
fossil fuels and mitigate the negative effects of climate change,
renewable energy technologies have gained importance.
• In order to promote sustainable development, which attempts to meet
the demands of the current era without compromising the future, it has
been realised that the utilisation of renewable energy sources is a
critical component.
• This topic will covers the role of renewable energy in sustainable
development and how it helps safeguard the environment.
How does renewable energy contribute to sustainable development?

• In order to assure a better future for everyone,

sustainable development attempts to balance
economic, social, and environmental factors.
• The goal is to develop a society where everyone
has access to the resources they require to lead
respectable lives without endangering the
environment. The objective is to make sure that
development’s social, economic, and
environmental components are interconnected
and mutually supportive of one another.
1. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases:

• Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, and

the effects of climate change can be mitigated,
by using renewable energy sources.
• The usage of fossil fuels and the damage
caused by the carbon dioxide that is released
into the environment can be reduced with the
help of clean renewable energy sources like
solar and wind power.
• This sustainable development will help India’s
financial sector experience exceptional growth.
2. Further developing energy security:
• Renewable energy sources can boost energy security
by reducing the need for imported fuels and boosting
the reliability of the energy supply.
• By using readily available resources like solar and wind
power, nations can increase their energy
independence and decrease their reliance on foreign
energy sources.
• In the contemporary world, renewable energy is a
trustworthy source of power.
• Fuel diversification reduces the likelihood of fuel spills
and reduces the nation’s reliance on imported fuels.
 3. Providing energy access:
• Especially in poor countries, previously powerless
groups can now use renewable energy sources.
• While having access to energy is essential for many
parts of daily life, like lighting, cooking, and
heating, it also has the potential to lower hunger
rates and raise living standards.
• The Indian government has initiated a number of
measures to bring electricity to all areas.
• Investment policies in renewable energy have
boosted energy accessibility to a larger level and
helped people all around the country, even those
in distant places.
4. Promoting the growth of rural areas
• By providing rural people with access to energy, renewable
energy technologies can support the development of rural
areas by enhancing agricultural output, driving economic
growth, and enhancing the quality of life.
• It is vital to consider how our environment is impacted by
everything in it. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect
the environment and natural resources.
• Over many years, severe climatic shifts have resulted from
the uncontrolled utilisation of non-renewable resources.
• As a result, adopting renewable energy will contribute to
reducing climate change and ensuring a sustainable future
for future generations.
5. Creating Job Prospects:
• Particularly in the production and installation
of renewable energy systems, renewable
energy technologies have the potential to
boost economic expansion and create jobs.
• For instance, the expansion of the solar power
industry has resulted in the creation of a large
number of jobs in the fields of solar panel
manufacturing and system installation.
 Conclusion:
• Since carbon is an essential component of the
earth’s ecosystem, a sustainable equilibrium is
required, which is not the case right now.
Between the earth’s surface and the ozone layer,
carbon atoms have become stuck in the
atmosphere.
• This is insulating and warming our planet,
resulting in catastrophic effects: sea levels are
rising, extreme weather is getting worse, and
glaciers are melting. Climate change can only be
stopped by using renewable energy.
Explain energy consumption as a measure of
prosperity and world energy future
• Power plays an important role in the working of men whether it
is in industry, agriculture, transportation, human comfort etc.
• The per capita consumption of electrical power reflects on the
living standards and prosperity of a nation.
• Any lack of energy will hamper the economic growth and the
progress of the country.
• The development work for power generation from various
sources of energy has to be carried on since the energy
requirements are increasing many folds over the last decades
and our country is no exception.
• India also has to utilize its natural resources to the maximum
extent possible and it has to find new and efficient ways to
produce energy and power.
Explain energy consumption as a measure of
prosperity and world energy future
• Energy consumption is often considered as a measure
of prosperity because it reflects the level of economic
activity and the standard of living within a society.
• Historically, countries with higher energy
consumption have tended to have greater
industrialization, technological advancements, and
overall economic development.
• Energy is essential for powering industries,
transportation, heating, cooling, and lighting, among
other activities that support economic growth and
improve living standards.
• However, the world's energy future poses
significant challenges and considerations. Here
are some key points to consider:
• 1. Rising Energy Demand: As global
population and urbanization continue to
increase, the demand for energy is expected
to rise significantly. Developing nations, in
particular, will require more energy to support
their economic growth and meet the needs of
expanding populations.
• 2. Finite Resources: Fossil fuels, such as coal,
oil, and natural gas, currently dominate the
global energy mix. However, these resources
are finite and non-renewable. Their extraction
and combustion contribute to environmental
issues, including greenhouse gas emissions
and climate change. Transitioning to
sustainable and renewable energy sources is
crucial for long-term energy security and
environmental sustainability.
• 3. Climate Change and Environmental Impact:
The world faces the challenge of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the
effects of climate change. The energy sector is
a significant contributor to global emissions.
Shifting towards cleaner energy alternatives,
such as renewable sources (solar, wind,
hydroelectric, geothermal) and nuclear power,
is essential to reduce environmental impact
and ensure a sustainable future.
• 4. Energy Access and Equity: Access to
affordable and reliable energy is a
fundamental aspect of human development
and poverty eradication. Many regions and
communities around the world still lack access
to modern energy services. Bridging the
energy access gap while simultaneously
transitioning to cleaner energy sources is a
critical aspect of achieving a sustainable and
equitable world energy future.
• 5. Technological Innovation and Efficiency:

Advancements in energy technologies, energy

storage, smart grids, and energy efficiency
play a crucial role in shaping the world's
energy future. Developing and deploying
innovative solutions can lead to more efficient
energy use, reduced waste, and increased
utilization of renewable energy sources.
• Addressing these challenges requires a
comprehensive approach involving policy
frameworks, international cooperation,
investment in research and development, and a
collective commitment to sustainable energy
practices.
• By balancing energy consumption with
environmental sustainability, equitable access,
and technological advancements, we can strive
towards a prosperous world energy future that
ensures economic growth, improves living
standards, and preserves the planet for future
generations.
Leading countries in installed renewable
energy capacity worldwide in 2023
• The leading countries for installed renewable energy in 2023 were China, the
U.S., Brazil. China was the leader in renewable energy installations, with a
capacity of around 1,453 gigawatts. The U.S., in second place, had a capacity of
around 388 gigawatts. Renewable energy is an important step in addressing
climate change and mitigating the consequences of this phenomenon.

Renewable Energy Capacity

Renewable power capacity is defined as the maximum generating capacity of
installations that use renewable sources to generate electricity. Recent data
suggests that renewable energy as a share of the world’s power production is
increasing. Renewable energy consumption varies from country to country.
The top countries for renewable energy consumption are China, United States,
and Brazil, respectively.

Types of Renewable Energy

There are various types of renewable energy sources used globally including, bio
energy, solar energy, hydropower, and geothermal energy, to name a few.
Globally, China and Canada are the top two countries in terms of
generating the most energy through hydropower. Geothermal energy has been
on the rise as well. Data shows an
increase in geothermal energy capacity globally in the last 10 years . Likewise,
there has been a dramatic increase in the capacity of global solar energy in recent
Primary energy consumption worldwide from 2019 to 2023, by fuel
type(in exajoules)
Primary energy consumption worldwide
Primary energy consumption worldwide
Primary energy consumption worldwide
Primary energy consumption worldwide
• Oil is the most consumed primary energy fuel in the world. In 2023, some 196.43
hexajoules worth of oil were consumed. This represented an increase of some three
percent in comparison to the previous year. Natural gas and nuclear energy were the
primary energy sources to note a consumption increase that year.

Rising demand for fossil fuels

• Demand for fossil fuels – such as natural gas, oil, and coal – has remained high, as overall
primary energy demand continues to increase. Excluding the effects of the corona virus
pandemic, the use of oil has consistently grown each year. Consumption of other non-
renewable fuel types has been more varied, with natural gas briefly overtaking coal as
the second-most consumed fuel in 2015. Global natural gas consumption has risen more
or less consistently. Its properties as a less carbon-intensive fossil fuel than coal have led
to an increase in its use in the power sector, overtaking coal use in major economies such
as the United States.

• Natural gas use by region

• North America has recorded one of the greatest increases in
natural gas consumption of world regions as the U.S. has become one of the largest
producer in the world. High levels of U.S. supply markedly reduced the price of natural
gas in the country in 2020, with natural gas prices for energy generation closing in on coal
prices. One year later, however, natural gas prices increased significantly, nearly reaching
 Primary energy
consumption
worldwide in 2023, by
country(in exajoules)
• China is the largest consumer of primary energy in the world, using some
170.7 hexajoules in 2023. This is far more than was consumed by the United
States, which ranks second. The majority of primary energy fuels are still
derived from fossil fuels such as oil and coal.
China's energy mix
• China’s primary energy mix has shifted from a dominant use of coal to an
increase of natural gas and renewable sources. Since 2009, the renewable
share in total energy consumption has grown by around 16 percent. Overall,
global primary energy consumption has increased over the last decade, but it
is expected to experience the largest growth in emerging economies like the
BRIC countries - Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
What is primary energy?
• Primary energy is the energy inherent in natural resources such as crude oil,
coal, and wind before further transformation. For example, crude oil can be
refined into secondary fuels, such as gasoline or diesel, while wind is
harnessed for electricity - itself a secondary energy source. A country’s
total primary energy supply is a measure of the country’s primary energy
sources. Meanwhile, end use energy is the energy directly consumed by the
user and includes primary fuels such as natural gas as well as secondary
sources like electricity and gasoline.
Net electricity consumption worldwide in select
years from 1980 to 2022
• Global primary energy consumption reached around 620 hexajoules
in 2023. This represented an increase of roughly two percent in
comparison to 2022. In 2020 due to the corona virus pandemic and
its impact on transportation fuel demand and overall economic
performance resulted in primary energy consumption declining to
2016 levels. Nevertheless, worldwide energy consumption is
projected to increase over the next few decades.
Effect of economic crisis
• Energy use rose consistently every year over the last two decades
except for 2009 and 2020, following the global financial crisis and
the aforementioned coronavirus pandemic. Fossil fuels remain the
largest source for energy consumption and as such benchmarks
such as the OPEC crude oil price serve as an indicator of overall
energy industry performance. Despite a notable decline in 2020, oil
prices are already on track to surpass the annual average for 2019,
having traded above 60 U.S. dollars per barrel for most of 2021.
• Most common types of fuel
• Oil is the main primary energy fuel in the
world, followed by other fossil fuels such as
coal and natural gas. Each of these three
sources had consumption levels of more than
100 hexajoules in 2021, while other fuel types
were consumed considerably less. However, in
recent years, renewables have become more
frequently used as
worldwide investment in clean energy has
increased six-fold since 2004
 Renewable energy availability in India
• Renewable energy sources have a combined installed
capacity of 150+ GW.
• As of May 2024, Renewable energy sources, including
large hydropower, have a combined installed capacity
of 193.57 GW.
• The following is the installed capacity for Renewable:
1. Wind power: 46.42 GW
2. Solar Power: 84.27 GW
3. Biomass/Co-generation: 10.35 GW
4. Small Hydro Power: 5 GW
5. Waste To Energy: 0.59 GW
6. Large Hydro: 46.92 GW
 Renewable energy availability in India
• India has set a target to reduce the carbon intensity of the
nation’s economy by less than 45% by the end of the
decade, achieve 50 percent cumulative electric power
installed by 2030 from renewables, and achieve net-zero
carbon emissions by 2070. India aims for 500 GW of
renewable energy installed capacity by 2030.
• India aims to produce 5 Mn Tonnes of green hydrogen by
2030. This will be supported by 125 GW of renewable
energy capacity.
• 50 solar parks with an aggregate capacity of 37.49 GW
have been approved in India. Wind Energy has an off-
shore target of 30 GW by 2030, with potential sites
identified.
• India is the world's 4th largest consumer of electricity and
the world's 3rd largest renewable energy producer with
40% of energy capacity installed in the year 2022 (160 GW
of 400 GW) coming from renewable sources.
• Ernst & Young's (EY) 2021 Renewable Energy Country
Attractiveness Index (RECAI) ranked India 3rd behind USA
and China. In FY2023-24, India is planning to issue 50 GW
tenders for wind, solar and hybrid projects.
• India has committed for a goal of 500 GW renewable
energy capacity by 2030. In line with this commitment,
India's installed renewable energy capacity has been
experiencing a steady upward trend. From 94.4 GW in
2021, the capacity has gone up to 119.1 GW in 2023 as of
Q4
The technology-specific RECAI scores (and rank)
in 2021 are as follows
Year-wise renewable energy generation trend
Grid-connected total including non-renewable
and renewable