How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour? (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction

Energy independence requires reducing imported fossil fuels while expanding domestic, reliable and affordable clean-energy systems.

Clean-technology pathway

• Scale solar, wind, hydro, nuclear and green hydrogen with domestic manufacturing.
• Modernise grids through storage, transmission, demand response and distributed renewable systems.
• Electrify transport, industry and cooking; improve building and appliance efficiency.
• Promote recycling, critical-mineral security, R&D and just transition for affected workers.

Biotechnology’s role

• Advanced biofuels from agricultural residues, algae and waste can decarbonise hard-to-electrify transport.
• Biogas and biomethane convert organic waste into energy and reduce methane emissions.
• Industrial enzymes, synthetic biology and bio-based materials reduce process energy and fossil inputs.
• Biofertilisers and climate-resilient crops lower agriculture’s energy and emissions intensity.

Keywords: net zero, bioenergy, biomethane, green hydrogen, storage, circular economy.