Development of Renewable Energy in India and Challenges Faced

Concerns over fossil fuel depletion and their adverse effect on the environment have driven the countries of the world to pursue renewal energy sources in a big way. Energy security and maintaining a healthy environment by reducing carbon emissions are the twin objectives which drive development of renewable energy sources. While issues like intermittency are inevitable with energy sources like solar and wind, realising a proper mix of traditional and non-conventional energy sources coupled with a storage option can help to mitigate some of these issues. India is a major producer and consumer of renewable energy. This paper reviews the status of renewable energy development in this country and identifies some of the initiatives and policy measures that have helped to make this happen. Some of the challenges faced and bottlenecks in the development of renewable energy and their possible solutions are highlighted.