Environment & Ecology
Energy Sector
Welcome to the dedicated study hub for the Energy Sector, a domain of paramount importance for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. As aspiring civil servants, understanding the intricacies
11 articles in this topic
Articles on Energy Sector
Proposal to Accelerate the Development of Hydro Pumped-storage Projects (PSPs)
In News The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed a regulatory overhaul to accelerate the development of hydro pumped-storage projects (PSPs). Background Eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) protect fragile ecosystems, and currently PSPs and hydropower projects are banned within ESZs and a 10-km buffer around protected areas. Environmental concerns and local protests in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra’s Western Ghats highlight risks to forests and wildlife.
India Unveils Major Global Solar Initiatives at ISA Assembly
Context India launched a set of flagship global initiatives to accelerate the world’s transition to clean, equitable, and circular solar energy systems at the Eighth session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Initiatives Launched The SUNRISE platform: The Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling will connect governments, industries, and innovators to unlock the value embedded in solar waste. By promoting recycling and upcycling, SUNRISE aims to make solar deployment truly sustainable.
India Reframes Its Renewable Revolution
Context India’s renewable energy sector is moving from rapid expansion to building a strong, stable, and resilient system to support its 500 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2030. About In the past decade, India’s installed renewable capacity (excluding large hydro) rose from under ~35 GW in 2014 to over ~197 GW today. India continues to add 15–25 GW of new renewable capacity annually — a rate that remains among the fastest in the world.
Gujarat’s Dhordo Becomes Fully Solar-Powered
Context Prime Minister Modi dedicated Dhordo as a “Solar Village” to the nation during the ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’ programme in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. About Dhordo will become the fourth solar-powered village in the State, after Modhera in Mehsana, Sukhi in Kheda, and Masali in Banaskantha. It is a remote village in Gujarat’s Kutch internationally acclaimed as the ‘Best Tourism Village’ by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Impact of Ethanol Blending
In News India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) in 2025, five years earlier than the 2030 target set under the National Policy on Biofuels (2018). Way Forward Diversify Feedstock: Shift away from sugarcane to alternative sources such as maize, bamboo, and agricultural residues to reduce environmental impact. Consumer Protection: Implement tax incentives or compensation as recommended by NITI Aayog to address concerns over fuel efficiency drop.
China’s Green Energy Transformation
Context China’s transformation from the world’s largest polluter to a global clean energy superpower is the result of decades of strategic planning, massive state investment, and technological dominance across the renewable energy supply chain. About the Green Energy It has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable development, as the world confronts the climate crisis. It refers to energy generated from natural, renewable sources that have minimal environmental impact and produce little to no gre
Discovering India's Solar Goldmine
There is a need for data-driven reassessment of India’s solar energy potential to unlock investment, drive innovation, and accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions by 2070.
Share of Clean Energy in India’s Electricity less than 30% despite 50% of installed Capacity
Context India has reached 50% of its total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, achieving its NDC target five years early. Why is there a need to increase Capacity Utilisation Factor? Energy Security: Indias energy demand is expected to double by 2040.
India is Set to Air Conditioner Temperature Guidelines
Context The Indian government is planning to adopt new standards to cap air conditioner (AC) temperature settings between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius to reduce peak power demand. Rising Cooling Demand in India Cooling Demand Statistics: Cooling accounts for around 50 GW, or nearly 20% of India’s peak power demand. Growth in AC Usage: India currently has 10 crore ACs, with 1.5 crore units added every year.
World's First Commercial-scale e-methanol Plant Opens in Denmark
In News Denmark has launched the world’s first commercial-scale e-methanol plant in Kasso. What is Methanol? About: Methanol (CH₃OH) is a light, volatile, and flammable liquid alcohol.
Centre Approves Additional FCI Rice for Ethanol Production
In Context The Union Government approved an additional 2.8 million tonnes of rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) stock for ethanol production, raising the total allocation for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024–25 to 5.2 million tonnes. What is Ethanol and the EBP Programme? Ethanol is an alcohol-based biofuel made through the fermentation of sugar, starch, or cellulose derived from crops like sugarcane, maize, and rice.