Effect of Solar on Climate Change

[Azure Power]

The use of solar power is on the rise as countries around the world look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and fight climate change. One country that has made significant strides in this area is India, where a number of large-scale solar power projects have been implemented in recent years.

The government of India has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, which includes 100 GW of solar power. To achieve this goal, the government has launched several initiatives, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and the Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan, to promote the development of utility scale solar projects.

The efforts have been paying off as India's solar capacity has grown from just 2 GW in 2014 to over 37 GW in 2020, and more than 100 GW is expected by the end of 2022. This expansion of solar energy is expected to make a significant impact on the country's carbon emissions. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the 100 GW of solar power will displace an estimated 100 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

One of the key advantages of solar power is that it is a clean and renewable source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, it does not emit any greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. In addition to reducing emissions, solar power also helps to reduce air pollution, which is a major public health concern in many parts of India.

The growth of solar power in India has also led to the creation of jobs in the renewable energy sector. According to the National Solar Energy Federation of India, the country's solar power sector is expected to create around 8,00,000 jobs by 2022. This not only helps to promote economic growth but also helps to promote energy security, as India will not have to rely as heavily on imported fossil fuels.

It's worth noting that, while large-scale solar projects are a crucial step in the right direction, they are not the only solution to combat climate change. It's important to also consider distributed solar power, which refers to smaller solar power systems that are installed on individual homes or businesses. These systems not only help to reduce emissions but also promote energy independence for individuals and communities.

In conclusion, the growth of solar power in India is a positive step towards fighting climate change. Large-scale solar projects such as utility scale solar, not only help to reduce emissions and promote energy security, but also create jobs and promote economic growth. However, it is important that alongside the development of large scale solar power, distributed solar power should be also encouraged. With these efforts in place, India could play a leading role in the global fight against climate change.