Solar Power To Comprise 46% Of India’s Energy Capacity By 2047, NITI Aayog Reports

India is set to see a significant increase in solar power capacity, with projections estimating that solar energy will account for around 46% of the country’s total installed capacity by 2047 under the Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario. This forecast is based on the “India Energy Securities Scenarios 2047,” a tool developed by NITI Aayog to assess future energy trends.

The rapid advancements in solar technology are anticipated to enhance the efficiency of solar energy harnessing, though predicting the exact land use required for solar parks by 2050 remains challenging. Despite this uncertainty, solar energy projects continue to be viewed as environmentally sustainable.

To address environmental concerns associated with solar power, such as e-waste from photovoltaic modules, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. Effective from April 1, 2023, these regulations mandate the recycling of solar panels and components to recover materials, in line with guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).