UPSC Notes

Renewable Energy Development & Challenges

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC frequently examines India's renewable energy targets, policies, and the socio-environmental challenges in project implementation. This case study from a neighboring country offers valuable insights into the complexities of balancing national energy goals with local environmental protection and community rights, relevant for GS3 (Environment, Economy) and GS2 (Governance).

Renewable energy development involves harnessing natural resources like wind, solar, and hydro to generate electricity, crucial for climate change mitigation and enhancing energy security. However, large-scale projects often face significant challenges related to land acquisition, environmental impact, and social acceptance, particularly in densely populated or ecologically sensitive areas.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

National Energy Targets

Sri Lanka aims to meet 70% of its total energy requirement through renewable sources, identifying Mannar as a key wind energy source.

Project Scale & Financing

Projects like the Thambapavani wind farm (104 MW, $200M, ADB financed) and proposed Adani Green project (500 MW, $500M) highlight the scale of investment.

Local Concerns

Local communities in Mannar fear environmental fallout (flash floods, coastline erosion, impact on bird corridors, noise) and livelihood disruption (shrinking fish catch).

Economic Drivers

The government faces economic strain from energy imports, aiming to reduce foreign reserve spending from 30% to 10% through green energy.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaSustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Conceptual areaEnergy Security

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Asian Development Bank (ADB)Finances
Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)Implements
Adani GreenProposes
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • Green energy transition crucial for climate and energy security.
  • Large-scale projects often face local environmental and livelihood conflicts.
  • Challenges include land acquisition, biodiversity impact, and social acceptance.
  • Transparency and community consent are vital for project success.
  • Economic benefits (reduced imports) vs. local costs (environmental damage).

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Energy Security

Amid Sri Lanka’s green energy push, communities in Mannar fear environmental fallout

25 Aug 2026 · The article details Sri Lanka's ambitious renewable energy push, particularly wind power in Mannar, and the resulting conflict with local communities over environmental damage and livelihood impacts, underscoring the complex trade-offs in green energy transitions.

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Related topics

Current topic

Renewable Energy Development & Challenges

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Renewable Energy Development & Challenges in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Renewable Energy Development & Challenges

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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 w...

2023·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined...

2026·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following heavy industries : 1. Fertilizer plants 2. Oil refineries 3. Steel plants Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role i...

2023·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: 1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silic...

2018·Environment & Ecology
Solve

With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements: 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps. 2...

2020·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following infrastructure sectors: 1. Affordable housing 2. Mass rapid transport 3. Health care 4. Renewable energy On how many of the above do...

2023·International Relations
Solve

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements: 1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity b...

2014·Environment & Ecology
Solve

Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana': I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential s...

2025·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

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