Hey there, sunshine lovers! Brace yourselves because India is sitting on a veritable goldmine of solar energy. A fresh report from The Energy and Resources Institute, affectionately known as TERI, reveals that the country boasts a whopping 10,830 GW of solar potential. That’s nearly 15 times the previously estimated figure of 748 GW. Talk about a sunny side up!
So, how did we get here? This new study, cleverly titled “Reassessment of Solar Potential in India: A Macro-Level Study,” looks beyond just deserts to other promising spots like rooftops, ponds, and even railway tracks. In the past, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy mainly focused on 3% of wastelands for solar potential. But now, TERI’s study takes everything into account — barren lands, floating solar, rooftop systems, agri-voltaics, and infrastructure installations.
Get ready for some impressive numbers! Ground-mounted solar energy on uncultivated lands is set to contribute 4,909 GW. Rajasthan takes the lead here with 1,234.6 GW, followed closely by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. And let’s not forget floating solar systems, which could generate an additional 100 GW by harnessing water surfaces.
Now, if you thought rooftops were only for placing potted plants, think again! The rooftop solar potential has been revised to a robust 960 GW. That’s 600 GW from rural rooftops and 360 GW from urban dwellings. This includes insights based on household size and roof area. Talk about maximizing your real estate!
But wait, there’s more! Agri-voltaics are also in the mix. Horticulture, tea, and coffee plantations alone could contribute a striking 4,177 GW to our solar ambitions. The report encourages agricultural universities and local comms to conduct pilot studies to explore these juicy opportunities.
On top of that, TERI’s report projects an extra 684 GW thanks to creative solar applications across urban settings, roads, and railway tracks. That includes significant contributions from railway infrastructure and building-integrated systems.
This reassessment comes at a crucial time for India, as the country ramps up its energy goals — a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 and a commitment to a net-zero target by 2070. Future electricity demand is poised to skyrocket, and solar energy is expected to be a major player in keeping things bright and green.
Though the theoretical solar potential stands tall at 10,830 GW, meticulous planning will still be needed to tap into this wealth. Science tools like GIS and remote sensing will be essential to ensuring we get this right. So hang tight, folks! The sun is shining on some exciting days ahead for India’s clean energy journey.