INDIA'S SOLAR POWER OUTPUT

NEWS: A study published in Nature Sustainability found that air pollution reduced India's solar power generation by 9.6% in 2023.

CONTEXT

  • Loss was equivalent to approximately 15 Terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity.
  • The loss percentage in India was significantly higher than the global average loss of 5.8%.
  • Highlights how air pollution is becoming a major obstacle to India's clean energy transition

Aerosols

  • Aerosols à tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere.
  • Consist of substances such as sulphates, carbon particles, dust, smoke, and other pollutants.

Air Pollution Affect Solar Power

  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity.
  • When aerosols reduce the amount of sunlight reaching solar panels, electricity generation decreases.
  • Air pollution directly lowers the efficiency and output of solar energy systems.
  • This creates a challenge for countries trying to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy

Key Findings of the Study

  • India lost about 9.6% of its solar power generation potential in 2023 due to aerosols.
  • The loss amounted to around 15 TWh of electricity.
  • Between 2017 and 2023, pollution related losses from existing solar installations averaged 74 TWh annually.
  • This annual loss was roughly equal to one-third of the electricity generated by newly added solar capacity every year.
  • India recorded one of the highest pollution-related solar power losses in the world.
  • The greatest losses occurred in the heavily polluted regions of Northern India.

Flue-Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) Technology

  • A pollution-control technology used in thermal power plants.
  • Removes Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) from exhaust gases before they are released into the atmosphere.
  • FGD helps reduce: Air pollution, Acid rain formation, Aerosol generation.
  • Improves air quality and indirectly enhances solar power generation by allowing more sunlight to reach solar panels.

Why is This Important for India?

  • India has ambitious renewable energy targets and is rapidly expanding solar power
  • Air pollution not only affects public health but also reduces renewable energy efficiency.
  • Lower solar output increases dependence on fossil fuels and raises energy costs.
  • Controlling air pollution can simultaneously improve public health and increase renewable energy generation
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