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Air Pollution Threatens India’s Future Solar Energy Potential

Syllabus:

GS-3:

Issues Relating to Development , Growth & Development , Renewable Energy ,Environmental Pollution & Degradation

Focus:

A study by IIT Delhi, published in Environmental Research Letters (Nov 2024), found that air pollution and climate change will reduce solar panel efficiency in India. By mid-century, efficiency could drop by 2.3%, resulting in a loss of at least 840 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.

Highlights of the Study:

Research and Objectives

• A study by IIT Delhi researchers, published in Environmental Research Letters (Nov 2024), examines the impact of air pollution and climate change on India’s solar power generation.
• India ranks as the fifth-largest solar power producer globally and aims to achieve 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
• The study highlights how air pollution and rising temperatures will reduce solar cell efficiency, affecting future renewable energy production.

Significance of Solar Power in India

• India has set a target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, with one-fifth expected from solar power.
• The government is developing solar parks and rooftop solar initiatives to increase solar energy adoption.
• However, solar energy output depends on weather conditions, making it vulnerable to environmental changes.

Factors Affecting Solar Panel Efficiency:

Key Environmental Influences

• Solar Radiation – The most significant factor in determining solar panel efficiency.
• Temperature – Higher ambient and solar cell temperatures reduce energy conversion efficiency.
• Wind Speed – Helps in cooling solar panels but has a relatively lower impact.

Role of Air Pollution

• Air pollution affects solar radiation reaching the earth due to:
  • Clouds reflecting sunlight.
  • Aerosols and particulate matter scattering or absorbing solar radiation.
  • Ozone and water vapour altering the radiation balance.
• These factors contribute to global dimming, reducing the amount of sunlight available for solar panels.

Long-term Effects on Solar Power Generation

• Declining solar radiation quality over time is impacting India’s 300 sunny days per year.
• Less sunlight reaching solar panels reduces energy output and efficiency over time.
• The study warns that future energy planning must consider climate and pollution trends.

Climate Change and Solar Power Efficiency:

Research Methodology

• The study analyzed data from 1985 to 2014 to predict changes from 2041 to 2050.
• Data was sourced from:
  • NASA’s Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) for global climate trends.
  • India Meteorological Department for localized climate conditions.
• The models were tested under two scenarios:
  • Moderate climate action, weak air pollution control.
  • Weak climate action, strong air pollution control.

Key Findings

• Solar panel efficiency is projected to drop by 2.3% by mid-century due to temperature rise and air pollution.
• The efficiency drop translates to a loss of at least 840 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
• Higher temperatures negatively impact solar cell efficiency, making climate change a major concern.

Implications and Mitigation Strategies:

Challenges for India’s Solar Energy Goals

• Temperature rise by 2°C by mid-century will further impact solar panel performance.
• Rising pollution levels block solar radiation, reducing the effectiveness of solar power generation.
• Certain regions, including northeastern India and Kerala, may see improved solar potential due to reduced cloud cover.
• India’s efforts to scale up solar power must be adapted to climate trends and pollution levels.

Policy Recommendations

• Stronger air pollution control to improve solar energy output.
• Investing in research to develop more heat-resistant and efficient photovoltaic cells.
• Better site selection for solar power projects based on future climate projections.
• Enhancing public participation through adoption of electric vehicles, reduced fossil fuel usage, and afforestation programs.
• Ensuring faster and more effective implementation of climate policies at both local and national levels.

Conclusion: The Way Forward:

Balancing Energy Growth with Environmental Concerns

• India’s transition to renewable energy must align with strong climate action to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Addressing both air pollution and rising temperatures is crucial for maintaining solar panel efficiency.
• Government and industry players must integrate climate models into solar power expansion strategies.

Public and Government Role

• Stronger emission control policies to reduce particulate matter in the atmosphere.
• Promoting cleaner transportation options to cut fossil fuel-related pollution.
• Encouraging environmental awareness and community participation in sustainable energy practices.

The study emphasizes that climate change mitigation and pollution control efforts must go hand in hand to fully realize India’s solar energy potential and build a climate-resilient nation.

Source: IE

Mains Practice Question :

India aims to achieve 50% of its electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030, but climate change and air pollution pose challenges to solar power generation. Analyze the impact of rising temperatures and pollution on solar energy efficiency. Suggest policy measures to mitigate these effects and ensure sustainable solar power development.