India's Renewable Energy Potential
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Directly relates to India's energy security, climate change targets (NDCs), economic growth, and the transition towards a green economy. It's a key indicator of India's progress in sustainable development.
India is endowed with significant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, which are pivotal for its energy transition, meeting growing electricity demand, and fulfilling international climate commitments.
Facts & tables
- Estimated Potential (31-Mar-25)
- 4,704,043 MW
- Previous Year's Potential (31-Mar-24)
- 2,109,655 MW
- Data Source
- MoSPI's "Energy Statistics India 2026"
- Strategic Importance
- Crucial for energy security, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Indian Economy |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) | Policy formulation and implementation |
| Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) | Data collection and dissemination |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Statement-based questions
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- India's RE potential estimated at 4.7 million MW (Mar 2025).
- Significant increase from 2.1 million MW (Mar 2024).
- Data published in MoSPI's "Energy Statistics India".
- Vital for India's energy transition and climate commitments.
- Informs national and state-level energy planning.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2025 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
| 2024 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2024 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2015 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
Timeline
-
Indian Economy
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2015
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2023
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2024
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2024
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2025
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2026
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
ENERGY STATISTICS INDIA
India's estimated renewable energy potential has significantly increased to over 4.7 million MW, as reported by MoSPI, underscoring its critical role in the nation's energy future and climate goals.
See also
Past papers
2015–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
ENERGY STATISTICS INDIA
India's estimated renewable energy potential has significantly increased to over 4.7 million MW, as reported by MoSPI, underscoring its critical role in the nation's energy future and climate goals.
Try these PYQs
Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ?
1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: Hydrogen obtained from fossil fuels (primarily natural gas) through steam methane reforming, where the resulting carbon emissions are captured and stored using Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies, is known as Blue Hydrogen, not Green Hydrogen. Statement 2 is Correct: Green Hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen via electrolysis, using electricity generated entirely from renewable energy sources (such as solar or wind). It is a completely zero-emission process. Statement 3 is Correct: The National Green Hydrogen Mission launched by the Government of India has set quantified targets for 2030. It aims to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) per annum. This will lead to the abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, alongside reducing fossil fuel imports and creating over 6 lakh jobs. Therefore, the correct option is B.
Consider the following heavy industries :
1. Fertilizer plants
2. Oil refineries
3. Steel plants
Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?
* Green hydrogen is the hydrogen produced through electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources. * Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing all three of the mentioned heavy industries. * Green hydrogen can be used in the production of ammonia, which is a key component for many fertilizers. Fertilizer production is energy-intensive and often relies on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. By using green hydrogen as a clean energy source, the carbon emissions from this industry can be significantly reduced * Green hydrogen can be used in oil refineries to process crude oil into various products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This can help to reduce the carbon emissions from the refining process. * The steel industry is one of the largest industrial emitters of carbon dioxide. Green hydrogen can be used in place of coal in the steelmaking process, significantly reducing the industry's carbon emissions.
Consider the following infrastructure sectors:
1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy
On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?
* In March 2020, Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) was formally established as a stand-alone business unit in the UNOPS governance structure, making UNOPS the first United Nations organisation able to make direct investments from its own balance sheet. * In line with the UNOPS Strategic Plan, 2022-2025, the S3i office will seek to enhance and accelerate the effort of engaging public and private sector investors to work collectively to scale up infrastructure investments and consider co-creating innovative financing options. The UNOPS S3i will continue rolling out the initiative across its three focus-areas- affordable housing- renewable energy- health infrastructure _SK Tip_: _Just think of the option - Rapid Mass Transport. If we generally think, rapid mass transport is not a need or even a necessity while considering sustainable aspects. Had it been mass transport, we would have still given it a thought. But not rapid mass transport._
With reference to green hydrogen, Consider the following statements :
1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
* Green hydrogen is any hydrogen that is produced from renewable energy. * Statement 1 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used as a direct fuel for internal combustion engines, replacing conventional fuels like gasoline or diesel. * Statement 2 is correct: Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for various applications like heating, power generation, and industrial processes. * Statement 3 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used in hydrogen fuel cells to power electric vehicles, providing a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Therefore, all three statements regarding the uses of green hydrogen are correct.
Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a major government initiative to expand rooftop solar adoption in the residential sector, while also building technical capacity across the country. ✅ Statement I: Correct
* The scheme targets the installation of 1 crore solar rooftop panels in households. ✅ Statement II: Correct
* The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE plans to train grassroots-level workers in installation, operation, and maintenance. ✅ Statement III: Correct
* The scheme aims to create over 3 lakh skilled workers through fresh skilling and up-skilling efforts.
Show 3 more PYQs
With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.
2. It is a Non – Banking Financial Company.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) is a Non-Banking Financial Institution under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for providing term loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Statement 1 is correct: IREDA is a Public Limited Government Company established under the Companies Act, 1956.
Statement 2 is correct: IREDA is also registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Consider the following materials:
1. Agricultural residues
2. Corn grain
3. Wastewater treatment sludge
4. Wood mill waste
Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel ?
* Agricultural residues: These include materials like crop stalks, husks, and leaves. They are a viable source of biomass that can be converted into biofuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). * Corn grain: Corn grain is a source of sugars that can be fermented to produce ethanol, a biofuel. While ethanol is primarily used in gasoline blends, it can also be further processed into SAF. * Wastewater treatment sludge: This sludge is rich in organic matter. Through processes like anaerobic digestion, it can produce biogas, which can be further converted into SAF. * Wood mill waste: This includes sawdust, wood chips, and bark. These lignocellulosic materials can be converted into biofuels through various thermochemical or biochemical processes, ultimately leading to SAF production. Therefore, all four materials can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Consider the following:
1. Battery storage
2. Biomass generators
3. Fuel cells
4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units
How many of the above are considered "Distributed Energy Resources"?
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are small-scale units of power generation or storage that are situated closer to the end-users. Let's analyze each option: * Battery storage: These store energy and can be deployed within the distribution network or at the consumer end, making them DERs. * Biomass generators: These can be small-scale and located near the biomass source, making them suitable for distributed generation. * Fuel cells: Similar to biomass generators, fuel cells can be deployed in a decentralized manner, qualifying as DERs. * Rooftop solar photovoltaic units: These are a classic example of DERs, generating power at the point of consumption. _Therefore, all four options are considered Distributed Energy Resources._