Disentangling the 2030 global renewable energy targets
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty that was adopted in 1992. It is the first international treaty that specifically addresses climate change. The UNFCCC has 198 Parties, which represent nearly every country in the world.
The ultimate objective of the UNFCCC is to "stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system." This means that the Parties to the Convention agree to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help to adapt to the impacts of climate change
The UNFCCC has also established a number of mechanisms to help Parties achieve their goals. These mechanisms include:
- The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): This mechanism allows Parties to invest in emissions reductions projects in developing countries and to earn credits that can be used to offset their own emissions.
- The Adaptation Fund: This fund provides financial assistance to developing countries to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- The Green Climate Fund: This fund provides financial assistance to developing countries to help them transition to a low-carbon economy
The global installed capacity of renewable energy sources (RES) for electricity generation at the end of 2021 was 3026 gigawatts (GW), according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This represents 39% of the total installed capacity from all sources
As of July 2023, India has an installed capacity of renewable energy sources of 179.322 GW, including large hydropower. This represents about 43% of the country's total installed capacity.
The following is the installed capacity for renewable energy sources:
- Wind power: 42.8 GW
- Solar power: 67.07 GW
- Biomass/Co-generation: 10.2 GW
- Small Hydro Power: 4.94 GW
- Waste To Energy: 0.55 GW
- Large Hydro: 46.85 GW
India is the fourth largest renewable energy market in the world, and the government has set a target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
4.Regionally differentiated Energy needs
Regionally differentiated energy needs refer to the fact that different regions of the world have different energy needs due to a variety of factors, including climate, geography, population density, and economic activity
For example, colder regions typically have higher energy needs for heating, while warmer regions typically have higher energy needs for cooling.
Mountainous regions may have higher energy needs for transportation, while coastal regions may have higher energy needs for shipping.
Urban areas typically have higher energy needs per capita than rural areas. And industrialized countries typically have higher energy needs than developing countries
Here are some specific examples of regionally differentiated energy needs:
- Northern Europe: Northern Europe has a cold climate, so it has high energy needs for heating. This region also has a lot of renewable energy potential, such as wind and solar power.
- Southern Europe: Southern Europe has a warmer climate, so it has lower energy needs for heating. However, this region has a high population density and a lot of economic activity, so it has high energy needs overall.
- North America: North America has a large landmass and a diverse climate, so it has a variety of energy needs. This region has a lot of fossil fuel resources, but it is also investing in renewable energy sources.
- Asia: Asia has a large and growing population, so it has high energy needs overall. This region has a variety of energy resources, including fossil fuels, renewable energy, and nuclear power.
- Africa: Africa has a large landmass and a diverse climate, so it has a variety of energy needs. This region has a lot of renewable energy potential, but it also has a lot of poverty and a lack of infrastructure.
- The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has called for a global target of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, compared to 2022 levels, to over 11 TW globally.
- This target is based on the IEA's Net Zero by 2050 scenario, which is the most ambitious pathway to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius
- The IRENA report also highlights the importance of regional cooperation in achieving the global RE target.
- For example, countries in regions with high renewable energy potential, such as Latin America and Africa, could export their excess renewable energy to countries in regions with lower renewable energy potential
- Meeting the global RE target by 2030 will be a challenge, but it is essential for meeting the world's climate goals. Renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, so they can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) released a report in June 2023 calling for a global target of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, compared to 2022 levels, to over 11 TW globally. This target is based on the IEA's Net Zero by 2050 scenario, which is the most ambitious pathway to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The IRENA report found that renewable energy is now the cheapest source of new electricity generation in most parts of the world. The report also found that renewable energy can create millions of jobs and boost economic growth.
To achieve the global RE target by 2030, the IRENA report recommends that governments around the world take a number of steps, including:
- Setting ambitious renewable energy targets
- Providing financial and policy support for renewable energy development
- Investing in transmission and distribution infrastructure
- Promoting research and development in renewable energy technologies
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Practice Mains Questions
1. Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?(UPSC CSE 2021) (200 Words, 10 Marks)
2.Discuss the role of renewable energy sources in achieving India's energy security and sustainable development goals. Highlight the challenges and potential solutions in their integration into the energy mix. (15 marks)
3.Renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power have gained momentum globally. Analyze the technological advancements and innovations that have contributed to their growth. How can India leverage these advancements for its energy transition? (15 marks)
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