Energy is a prime requirement of our day-to-day life functioning and thus in general words energy is defined as the ability to do work. In the present world, energy plays a very important role in day-to-day life. In ancient times, wood and fossil fuels were often used as sources of energy. The amount of energy consumed is an indicator of economic growth and development, more the energy consumption, the more will be economic growth. Thus, energy is an important catalyst for economic growth and human development. Thus, energy is an important driving force of economic growth in all economies and it is a prerequisite to achieving sustainable social, economic, and environment-friendly development.
Presently, where the global economy shows a comparatively slower economic growth rate, the Indian economy, the world’s third-largest economy, is growing at a faster rate. In the last few decades, the Indian economy shows good growth, and it is interesting to note that India’s energy consumption has almost doubled since 2000. India ranked fourth largest energy consumer after the United States, China, and Russia, and is recognized as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and after China, India is the second most populous country in the world. Though about 18% of the world’s population lived in India, it uses only 6% of the world’s primary energy. India is currently experiencing a so-called power crisis. As India is on a path of rapid economic growth with rapid overall growth, it will need 3 to 4 times more energy than the total energy consumed today to meet the energy requirement for such a fast-growing economy, as well as climate change and various environmental problems.
Presently, the government is giving special focus on laying the infrastructure for the overall development of the country and power is the basic requirement for the overall development of the country. The power sector plays a very significant role in the growth of the Indian economy and it is growing at a rapid pace.
Renewable energy is energy that comes from such resources that are constantly replenished like sunlight, wind, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Renewable energy is one of the cleanest sources of energy options with the least carbon emissions or pollution. It has the potential to significantly reduce dependence on coal and other fossil fuels. By expanding renewable energy, India can improve air quality, reduce global warming emissions, create new industries and jobs, and propel the world towards cleaner, safer, and cheaper energy. Current and future global use of traditional sources of energy has put great pressure on environmental values, health, and society. Therefore, there is an urgent need to promote renewable energy in the current Indian power sector in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Renewable sources of energy are clean and sustainable sources of energy because renewable energy is derived from natural sources like sun and wind. Today non-conventional sources of energy are depleting rapidly and only conventional sources of energy have the potential to meet the energy requirements in the future and only solutions to the energy crisis faced by developing countries like India. Renewable energy sources such as wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, ocean power, biomass energy, and fuel cell technology can be used to overcome the energy shortage in India. Today, renewable energy accounts for about 33% of India's primary energy use. In recent years India emphasized on development of renewable energy technologies, and India is more serious about issues like carbon emissions, clean air, and a pollution-free environment.
The western part of Rajasthan has good potential for renewable energy generation, which can contribute to economic development on the one hand and maintain a clean environment on the other.
Thus, it is clear that renewable energy is the future, including for India's economy and solving its power crisis.