A new intelligence briefing from PreScouter highlights the challenges of global renewable energy adoption that could lead to increased carbon emissions. Renewable energy sources account for 10-20% of electricity in major economies, but there are signs of inconsistency, affecting power quality. The report suggests that existing infrastructure may not be able to support a rapid transition to renewable energy, so modern and efficient storage strategies are needed.
Renewable energy industry developers say land costs are critical to reducing the cost of solar projects in India. Optimizing land costs involves finding the right balance between location, quality and price. The "2023 National Power Plan" points out that land is the most important resource for solar power plants, and higher-capacity solar modules can reduce land requirements. However, challenges such as land supply, legal issues and land transfers remain. Developers must carefully evaluate land-related factors, work with local authorities, and consider strategies to minimize expenditure while ensuring project efficiency and regulatory compliance.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) found that rates of solar panel installation and electric vehicle purchases are consistent with the pace necessary to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The IEA also stressed that by 2030, fossil fuel demand must fall by 25%, energy efficiency of homes and vehicles must double, and methane emissions from the oil and gas industry must fall by 75%. However, despite the rapid increase in renewable energy, fossil fuels remain an important source of energy, especially in Asia.
Gautam Solar plans to double its annual solar module production capacity to 2 GW by the end of 2024, investing around Rs 150 crore in the process. The expansion will be used to produce high-efficiency solar modules certified to ALMM and BIS standards for domestic and foreign markets, aiming to reduce India's import dependence.
The Biden administration plans to complete its ambitious offshore wind leasing program next year, despite preparation delays and sluggish industry demand. The administration aims to install 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by the end of the century to help decarbonize the U.S. power industry. The Interior Department has held auctions in four areas of the United States, including New York and New Jersey, the Carolinas, California and the Gulf of Mexico. The remaining three regions will take place in 2024. If the government fails to complete these auctions by the end of the third quarter of 2024, it could face additional hurdles, as federal law requires offshore wind lease auctions to take place within 12 months of the auction closing. Recent Oil & Gas Lease Sales.
French President Emmanuel Macron will unveil a seven-year plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fulfill climate-related commitments. The country aims to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030, in line with EU targets. Macron announced that the country's two remaining coal-fired power plants will cease operations by 2027 and be converted to biomass energy. France relies on nuclear energy for more than 60% of its electricity.