STRUCTURE

• Introduction – What is new and renewable energy (15 words) 
• Body – Explain the major drivers for development and deployment of new and renewable energy (120 words)
• Conclusion – Mention a short conclusion  (15 words)

ANSWER

Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy, comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished.

MAJOR DRIVERS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

• Cost: While the coal-based power plants require an initial investment of about Rs. 4 crores per MW, the investments for solar and wind energy is far higher. The wind-based power plant with capacity utilization of 25% requires Rs. 6 crores per MW. For more efficient capacity utilization of 80%, the initial investment is about Rs.18 crore per MW. For solar power plants with a capacity of 15% requirement is Rs. 18 crores in investments. Thus due to the high cost, many opt for investment in coal-based power plants.
• Weather: Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, tide, etc., are dependent on weather conditions. If the favourable weather conditions are not available, it becomes inefficient and unfeasible.
• Location: Most renewable energy plants occupy large areas of space. This brings in the issue of the cost of the vast land area and other issues related to land acquisition. Also, the distance between the renewable energy source and the grid increased the cost and efficiency of renewable energy.
• Drawbacks:
  • The turbines in wind energy have caused noise pollution and are also killing birds while functioning.
  • The dams destroy the habitat of the aquatic organisms and also hinder their migration pattern. They also reduce the movements of the sediments and nutrients which in turn affects the floodplains and deltas.
• Integration with the Main Grid: is the area India needs to focus upon. To improve the uptake of renewables, storage and battery solutions are required in huge quantities.
• 24*7 Power Supply: (Sustainable + 24-hour power supply) + storage system = Huge challenge.
• Agricultural Sector: High amount of power is consumed in the agricultural sector. Hence, the challenge is to provide enough power and energy to each household and also to the agricultural sector.