UPSC Mains 2022 GS3 Q12 — Renewable Energy
Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- JustifyExplain
- Scope keywords
- 50 percent of its energy needsrenewable energy by 2030shift of subsidiesfossil fuels to renewables
- Implicit sub-parts
- Clarification of the 50% target (Installed Capacity vs. Generation mix) as per Panchamrit goals.
- Assessment of current progress, trajectory, and bottleneck challenges (grid integration, storage) to justify feasibility.
- Economic analysis of how redirected fossil fuel subsidies act as a market correction tool for green energy parity.
- Policy linkages between fiscal savings from subsidy cuts and financing of green hydrogen or ISA initiatives.
- Common pitfalls
- Confusing '50% of energy needs' with '50% of total primary energy supply' rather than electric power installed capacity.
- Focusing only on solar and wind while ignoring the role of Hydro and Nuclear in the non-fossil mix.
- Neglecting the socio-economic challenges of removing fossil fuel subsidies (e.g., impact on LPG/Kerosene for the poor).
- Failing to mention specific schemes like PM-KUSUM or PLI that bridge the subsidy-to-infrastructure gap.
- Dimensions required
- Fiscal/EconomicEnvironmental/Climate CommitmentTechnological/InfrastructureGlobal Geopolitical (Panchamrit/COP26)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 100 words (6 marks) to the justification of the 2030 target, balancing optimism with structural hurdles like DISCOM health. Dedicate 120 words (7 marks) to the mechanics of subsidy shifting and its impact on the levelized cost of energy. Reserve 30 words (2 marks) for a forward-looking conclusion linking fiscal policy to climate justice.
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