11. Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy source in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

India has set one of the most ambitious target of 175 GW renewable energy capacity by 2022. In line with Paris Agreement, India has been expanding renewable source of energy. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry of government for supplementing and adding new and renewable energy resource to meet India’s requirement .

MNRE includes solar energy, biomass, small hydro power wind energy, waste to energy but excludes large hydroelectric energy(which by itself accounts for around 44 GW). India has achieved significant feats in renewable energy,

• Record low solar tariff of Rs 2.44/unit achieved in Bhadla , Rajasthan by reverse auction.
• Lowest tariff of Rs  3.46/unit achieved in wind energy.
• Solar roof tops, solar water pumps, solar parks, plug and play modal of revenue sharing have accelerated the expansion of solar capacity. The last three years saw a massive 370% jump in capacity (from 2.26 GW to 12.2 GW)

India has also spearheaded the Global cause for adoption  of solar energy by creating International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All(UJALA) has been launched to promote efficient lighting using affordable LEDs. The scheme is implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) a joint venture of PSUs under Union Ministry of Power.

    The scheme aims to,

• Replace incandescent bulbs by energy efficient LEDs in domestic and street lights.
• Decrease energy consumption as well as reduce carbon footprint.
• Reduce the electricity bill of household consumers and promote savings.

This will help in achieving India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution goal under Paris Agreement. Also. Manufacturing of LED’s in India can give a boost to make in India campaign.