Blitz Bureau
India’s journey towards a clean energy future is marked by ambitious targets and a burgeoning commitment to sustainable development. Recent pronouncements and project inaugurations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, serve as a potent microcosm of this national endeavour, showcasing the multi-pronged approach India is adopting to green its energy landscape.
The Prime Minister’s visit saw the unveiling of development projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore, with a significant emphasis on bolstering clean energy infrastructure. A highlight was the laying of the foundation stone for the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for the evacuation of electricity from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant units 3 and 4.
This Rs 550 crore project, involving a 400 kV double-circuit transmission line, is crucial for integrating the clean, reliable power generated by these 2×1000 mw nuclear reactors into the national grid. Nuclear power, while controversial for some, is considered a clean energy source as it produces virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
Kudankulam, already home to two operational units, is a cornerstone of India’s nuclear energy programme, which has seen a 71 per cent rise in installed capacity and a 60 per cent increase in annual electricity generation over the past decade. The timely commissioning of units 3 and 4, with unit 3 expected in 2026, will significantly contribute to India’s non-fossil fuel energy mix.
Beyond large-scale power generation, the Prime Minister highlighted the rapid strides made by the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in Tamil Nadu. This scheme, launched in February 2024 with an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, aims to provide free electricity to one crore households through rooftop solar systems.
Rapid adoption of nuclear power, rooftop solar, rail electrification
The enthusiastic response in Tamil Nadu, with approximately one lakh applications received and over forty thousand solar rooftop installations completed, underscores the widespread adoption of decentralized clean energy solutions.
This initiative not only empowers individual households by reducing their electricity bills but also contributes to the national goal of adding 30 gw of solar capacity through residential rooftop installations, potentially generating 1 lakh crore units of electricity over 25 years and abating 720 million tonnes of COâ‚‚ emissions. It’s a testament to the fact that clean energy is becoming increasingly accessible and affordable for the common citizen.
The emphasis on sustainable infrastructure was also evident in the newly inaugurated terminal building at Thoothukudi Airport. While primarily an aviation project, its design incorporates 100 per cent LED lighting, energy-efficient electrical and mechanical systems, and a sewage treatment plant for treated water reuse, aiming for a GRIHA-4 sustainability rating. This reflects a broader trend in India’s infrastructure development, where green building principles and energy efficiency are increasingly being integrated, even in non-energy specific projects.
Many Indian airports are actively working towards carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions, with a significant percentage already operating on 100 per cent green energy through solar power plants and procurement from renewable sources.
The dedication of the electrified Madurai-Bodinayakkanur railway line showcases India’s commitment to greening its transportation sector. Railway electrification significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels, leading to substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
Indian Railways has an ambitious target of becoming a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030, a goal supported by extensive electrification drives and the integration of renewable energy into its operations. This shift is not just environmentally beneficial but also economically prudent, as electric traction is more energy-efficient and cost-effective than diesel.