India needs a mix of all sources of energy in the right measure. Do you agree with this view? Comment (200 Words)
Refer - Business Line
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 2 years
KEY POINTS
· The latest report of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) counts India among the countries more vulnerable to climate change, which underscores the need for urgent action.
· India has committed to raise its non-fossil fuel capacity to 500 GW by 2030, from 152 GW now a tall order, given the complexities in each source of non-fossil fuel energy.
· Large hydro, whose potential, estimated at 45 GW, is thrice as much as the existing capacity, has been hampered mainly by environmental concerns and rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) issues.
· Nuclear power, capacity today stands at a dismal 6,780 MW. There seems to be little scope for adding more than the proposed 10 PHWRs of 700MW each and four more 1,000 MW plants at Kudankulam.
· The major problem is the ‘liability clause’, which has scared away reactor suppliers. India must choose between righteousness and practicality; given the need for climate action, the latter appears to be the button to press.
· It will remain essential as a baseload power source. Carbon emissions can be controlled through carbon capture and utilisation (or sequestration) technologies. India needs a mix of all sources in the right measure.
