Energy Technology — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
India's Green Hydrogen Mission Gains Momentum with Strategic Partnerships and Pilot Projects
Q1 2024 - OngoingThe National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023, has seen significant progress in early 2024 with several public-private partnerships announced for pilot projects in steel, shipping, and mobility sectors. Major PSUs like NTPC and IOC are investing in green hydrogen production facilities, leveraging renewable energy sources. The government is also exploring bilateral agreements with countries like Germany and Japan for technology transfer and export opportunities, aiming to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export by 2030. This aligns with India's energy transition roadmap and its net-zero targets.
UPSC Angle: Focus on the strategic importance of green hydrogen for decarbonization, energy security, and economic growth. Questions can be framed around the mission's objectives, technological challenges (electrolyser efficiency, storage), policy support (PLI schemes), and its potential impact on India's energy mix and international trade relations. Linkages to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and climate diplomacy are also relevant.
Record Renewable Energy Capacity Additions in FY2023-24 Propel India Towards 2030 Targets
April 2024 (reporting for FY2023-24)India witnessed unprecedented growth in renewable energy capacity additions in the fiscal year 2023-24, primarily driven by large-scale solar and wind projects. According to preliminary data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Central Electricity Authority (CEA), over 20 GW of renewable capacity was added, pushing the total non-fossil fuel capacity closer to the 2030 target of 500 GW. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka continued to lead in solar deployment, while Gujarat and Tamil Nadu saw significant wind power expansion. This surge is attributed to supportive policies, declining technology costs, and increased private sector investment, including under the PLI scheme for solar PV manufacturing.
UPSC Angle: Examine the factors driving renewable energy growth, the role of government policies (e.g., National Solar Mission, Green Energy Corridor), and the challenges of grid integration and land acquisition. Questions could analyze India's progress towards its NDCs, the economic implications of renewable energy expansion, and the role of state-level initiatives. Comparative analysis of state-wise potential and deployment is also important.
India's PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Manufacturing Attracts Global Players
Late 2023 - Early 2024The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for ACC battery manufacturing, aimed at achieving 50 GWh of domestic battery production capacity, has successfully attracted major domestic and international players. Several companies have committed to setting up gigafactories in India, with initial production expected to commence by late 2024 or early 2025. This initiative is critical for bolstering India's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and for developing robust Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid applications, reducing reliance on imports and fostering self-sufficiency in a crucial energy technology component. The scheme is expected to create a vibrant domestic manufacturing base and drive down battery costs.
UPSC Angle: Focus on the strategic importance of battery manufacturing for India's energy security and industrial growth. Questions could explore the objectives of the PLI scheme, its potential impact on the EV sector and grid stability, the types of battery technologies being developed, and the challenges in raw material sourcing and technological advancement. Linkages to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and the broader energy transition are key.