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
- Renewable
Energy Expansion
- Scaling
up solar, wind, and hydro capacity to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
- Target:
500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.
- Green
Hydrogen Mission
- Substituting
fossil fuels in industry and mobility.
- Target:
5 MMT of green hydrogen production annually by 2030.
- Electrification
of Mobility
- EV
adoption with indigenous battery manufacturing and charging networks.
- Nuclear
and Fusion Research
- Investment
in nuclear energy (both fission and fusion projects like ITER).
- Energy
Efficiency & Smart Grids
- Reducing
demand intensity through efficient appliances, smart meters, and digital
grids.
- Domestic
Manufacturing and Critical Minerals
- Atmanirbhar
push for solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage.
Role of Biotechnology in Achieving Energy
Independence
- 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.
- Waste-to-Energy
- Converting
agricultural and urban waste into bio-CNG and electricity, addressing
both energy and pollution challenges.
- Algal
Bioenergy
- Microalgae
can produce bio-oil and hydrogen, serving as sustainable feedstock.
- Industrial
Biotechnology
- Development
of biorefineries for integrated production of fuels, chemicals, and
fertilizers.
- 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
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