JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD B.Tech III NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES Previous Question Paper (August - 2022 - R16)

India possesses a vast potential for non-conventional energy sources, driven by its geographical location, growing energy demand, and commitment to international climate goals. The prospects are categorized by the following key sectors:

Solar Energy: India receives abundant solar radiation, with about 300 sunny days per year. The government's push through the National Solar Mission and the establishment of large-scale solar parks have made solar power one of the most cost-effective energy sources in the country. It is the cornerstone of India's target to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Wind Energy: India has a long coastline and significant wind potential, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The development of offshore wind projects and the repowering of older, less efficient turbines are key prospects for increasing capacity and grid stability.

Biomass and Bioenergy: As an agrarian economy, India generates massive amounts of agricultural residue. Prospects lie in converting this waste into bio-CNG, ethanol, and power, which simultaneously addresses waste management issues and provides additional income to farmers.

Small Hydro Power: India has significant untapped potential in the Himalayan and Western Ghat regions for small hydro projects. These are environmentally less disruptive than large dams and are crucial for electrifying remote, off-grid mountainous regions.

Green Hydrogen: The National Green Hydrogen Mission positions India as a potential global hub for green hydrogen production. This is a critical prospect for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like steel, shipping, and chemical manufacturing.

Challenges and Future Outlook: While the prospects are immense, the primary challenges include the intermittency of solar and wind, the need for advanced energy storage solutions (like battery storage and pumped hydro), and the requirement for grid modernization to handle decentralized power injection. Continued policy support, private investment, and technological innovation in storage are essential to transition India toward a sustainable and energy-independent future.