Context:
Energy Statistics India 2025 report released
Energy Statistics India Report:
- Released by – National Statistics Office (NSO)
- Provides key data on energy reserves, capacity, production, and consumption across different energy sources.
Key Highlights:
- Energy Supply and Consumption Trends – India’s Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) grew by 7.8% in 2023-24, showcasing resilience amidst global uncertainties.
- Per capita energy consumption increased, reflecting improved energy access and living standards.
- The industrial sector remains the largest energy consumer
- Renewable Energy Growth – India’s renewable energy potential is estimated at 21 lakh MW, with wind power contributing55%, followed by solar and large hydropower projects.
- Installed renewable electricity capacity expanded from 81,000 MW (2015) to 2 lakh MW (2024)
- State-wise Renewable Energy Statistics – Rajasthan (20.3%), Maharashtra (11.8%), Gujarat (10.5%), and Karnataka (9.8%) collectively account for over 50% of India’s renewable energy potential.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct:
Solar energy can be converted directly into electrical energy (direct current, DC) by photovoltaic (PV) cells commonly called solar cells.
Statement 3 is not correct:
India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology as well as for Photovoltaics.