How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour? (150 Words) upsc mains 2025 gs3 model answers

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

Introduction

India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer, imports over 85% of its crude oil and 50% of its natural gas, making energy security a strategic challenge. The government has set a vision of achieving energy independence by 2047, coinciding with 100 years of Independence. This transition must be driven by clean technologies to align with India’s net-zero 2070 commitment.

 

Pathways to Energy Independence through Clean Technology

  1. Renewable Energy Expansion
    • Scaling up solar, wind, and hydro capacity to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
    • Target: 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.
  2. Green Hydrogen Mission
    • Substituting fossil fuels in industry and mobility.
    • Target: 5 MMT of green hydrogen production annually by 2030.
  3. Electrification of Mobility
    • EV adoption with indigenous battery manufacturing and charging networks.
  4. Nuclear and Fusion Research
    • Investment in nuclear energy (both fission and fusion projects like ITER).
  5. Energy Efficiency & Smart Grids
    • Reducing demand intensity through efficient appliances, smart meters, and digital grids.
  6. Domestic Manufacturing and Critical Minerals
    • Atmanirbhar push for solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage.

 

Role of Biotechnology in Achieving Energy Independence

  1. Biofuels and Biogas
    • Second and third-generation biofuels from crop residues, algae, and municipal waste to reduce oil imports.
    • Ethanol Blending Programme aims at 20% blending by 2025–26.
  2. Waste-to-Energy
    • Converting agricultural and urban waste into bio-CNG and electricity, addressing both energy and pollution challenges.
  3. Algal Bioenergy
    • Microalgae can produce bio-oil and hydrogen, serving as sustainable feedstock.
  4. Industrial Biotechnology
    • Development of biorefineries for integrated production of fuels, chemicals, and fertilizers.
  5. Carbon Capture through Bioengineering
    • Genetically modified microbes and plants can enhance carbon sequestration, supporting decarbonisation.

 

Conclusion

Energy independence by 2047 will require a multi-pronged clean technology approach—renewables, green hydrogen, nuclear, and energy efficiency. Within this, biotechnology can be a game-changer by providing sustainable fuels, reducing carbon footprint, and enhancing energy access. A synergy between clean technology and biotechnology innovations can enable India to achieve both energy security and environmental sustainability in its centenary year of independence.

Note: This model Answer for Reference Purpose only

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Truth Knows No Colour UPSC Essay 2025 Questions with model Answers

It is best to see life as a journey, not as a destination upsc mains 2025 essay model answer

The years teach much which the days never knew upsc mains 2025 essay model answer