Renewable Energy — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
COP28 Pledges Triple Global Renewable Energy Capacity by 2030
December 2023At the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, over 130 countries, including India, pledged to triple the world's renewable energy capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030. This ambitious commitment is a cornerstone of global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and limit global warming to 1.5°C. For India, this pledge reinforces its existing target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and signals a need for accelerated deployment, increased investment, and robust policy support. The agreement also highlighted the importance of enhancing energy efficiency and addressing financing gaps for developing nations.
UPSC Angle: Examine the implications of the COP28 pledge on India's renewable energy policy, investment landscape, and international cooperation. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in achieving such a rapid scale-up, particularly concerning grid integration, storage, and financing. (GS-III Environment, GS-II International Relations)
India's Green Hydrogen Mission Gains Momentum with Policy Frameworks and Pilot Projects
Early 2024Following the launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in January 2023, India has been actively developing policy frameworks and initiating pilot projects to establish itself as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Recent announcements from MNRE and various public sector undertakings (PSUs) detail incentives for electrolyser manufacturing, hydrogen production, and demand creation in sectors like refining, fertilizer, and steel. Several large-scale green hydrogen projects, often co-located with renewable energy plants, are now in various stages of development, aiming to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors and enhance energy security.
UPSC Angle: Analyze the strategic importance of the Green Hydrogen Mission for India's energy transition, economic growth, and geopolitical standing. Discuss the technological challenges, infrastructure requirements, and policy support needed for successful implementation. Evaluate its potential to reduce carbon emissions and create new industrial ecosystems. (GS-III Economy, GS-III Science & Technology, GS-III Environment)