New Delhi: India has taken a big leap towards reducing pollution from coal. The country has overtaken Germany to rank third in the world in alternative and environmentally friendly power generation. This has been revealed in the sixth edition of the ‘Global Electricity Review’ report of global energy think tank Ember, which was released on Tuesday. India’s achievement in generating electricity from clean sources like solar, wind and hydropower is not only a relief for the environment but also reflects its growing credibility on the global stage.

India’s performance in 2024

According to the report, in 2024, India will generate 10 percent of global alternative power generation through solar and wind energy. This figure is a milestone for the country. Overall, India has generated 22 percent of the world’s electricity this year, of which 8 percent came from hydropower and 10 percent from solar and wind energy. Ember analyst Ramesh Chauhan says, “In 2024, India will generate 858 terawatts of environmentally friendly electricity every hour, which is 89 percent more than in 2022. This shows India’s commitment.” The report also claims that 40.9 percent of global electricity production in 2024 will come from carbon-free sources. This is the first time since 1940 that such a large scale clean energy has been produced in the world. India is playing an important role in this. Doubling of solar energy In 2024, India will produce 24 gigawatts of solar energy, which is almost double compared to last year. This boom has established India as the third largest alternative power producer after the US and China. Germany, which was a leader in this field for a long time, has now been left behind by India. Energy expert Priya Mehta says, “India’s leap in solar energy is the result of government policies and private investment. This is a big step towards reducing dependence on coal.”
The report lists 88 countries, which generate 93 percent of global electricity production. India’s position is notable among them. Apart from this, 215 countries have started working on alternative energy, but India’s progress puts it at the forefront.

Distance from coal, victory for the environment

In a country like India, where coal-based power generation has been the backbone for a long time, this change towards clean energy was not easy. Pollution from coal not only makes the air poisonous, but also promotes climate change. But now solar panels and wind turbines are changing the country’s energy landscape. Environmentalist Ajay Sharma says, “It is not just a matter of electricity generation. It is a victory for the health of the people of India and the future of the coming generations.”

India’s role in global demand

The demand for electricity in the world is increasing rapidly. In such a situation, India’s move is a strong signal for the future. The report estimates that India will play a more important role in alternative energy production in the next decade. The government has set a target of 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, in which solar and wind energy will have a major share. An official of the Ministry of Power said, “Our focus is now on clean and cheap electricity, away from coal. This target is difficult, but not impossible.” Challenges still remain Although this achievement is big, the challenges are also not less. Solar and wind energy are weather dependent, which can make it difficult to ensure continuous supply. Apart from this, there is a need to provide electricity to rural areas and upgrade the old infrastructure. Experts believe that technological innovation and investment will have to be increased to deal with these problems. Final thoughts India’s move is not only a positive message for the environment, but also underlines its growing strength in the global energy sector. India, moving away from coal towards alternative power, is now becoming an example for the world. Will this momentum continue? This question is in the womb of the future, but the achievement of the present is a matter of pride for every Indian. How do you see this change? Do share your opinion.