Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (Not more than 200 words)

Energy is best assessed through its developmental, institutional and implementation dimensions, with equity and resilience as the governing tests.

By 2016, India’s renewable base was led by large hydropower, wind and expanding solar, with biomass and small hydro also important. The National Solar Mission and wind capacity additions signalled a shift toward cleaner, diversified energy.

The 2015-16 policy direction targeted 175 GW of renewable capacity by 2022, including 100 GW solar, 60 GW wind, 10 GW biomass and 5 GW small hydro. These were targets, not achieved capacity, and required grid, storage, finance and land solutions.

Renewables reduce import dependence, emissions and local pollution, diversify rural energy and support jobs. Challenges included intermittency, transmission constraints, financial stress of distribution companies, land conflicts and affordability of capital.

The National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes, implemented through EESL’s UJALA and related efficient-lighting efforts, lowered electricity demand and bills by replacing inefficient bulbs. Bulk procurement reduced prices; efficient lighting also cuts peak load, emissions and household expenditure, while requiring quality standards and safe disposal.

Keywords: energy; sustainable development; renewable energy; LED and UJALA