UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis. May 9th, 2024 CNA. Download PDF [Video]

2. India is now third largest producer of solar power

Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life

Mains: Status of production of solar power in India

Context​:

• India has emerged as a significant player in the global solar power arena, securing the third position in terms of solar power production, surpassing Japan in 2023. This achievement underscores India’s increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, as a vital component of its energy mix. 

Issues

• Disparity between Installed Capacity and Actual Production: India faces a substantial gap between its installed solar power capacity and the electricity actually generated. This gap is attributed to fluctuations in power demand, operational inefficiencies, and challenges in grid integration.
• Challenges in Surpassing Further Milestones:While India has overtaken Japan to secure the third position, surpassing the United States, the second-largest producer, presents a significant challenge. Achieving this milestone would necessitate a substantial increase in solar power production, posing both …