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The Central Electricity Authority’s CO2 Baseline Database highlights India’s efforts to balance energy needs with environmental sustainability. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the total installed capacity of power generation reached approximately 442 GW, with renewable energy sources (RES) contributing significantly. Wind, solar, and other renewable forms accounted for a substantial share, reflecting India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The database emphasizes the reduction in carbon intensity through the inclusion of renewable energy in grid calculations. For 2023-24, renewable energy generation increased to 225.83 billion units, up from 203.55 billion units the previous year. This growth underscores India’s strategy to transition from conventional fossil fuels like coal and lignite to cleaner energy alternatives. As a result, the weighted average emission factor adjusted for renewable energy was calculated at 0.727 tCO2/MWh. The inclusion of renewable energy in calculating Build Margin (BM) and Combined Margin (CM) marks a shift toward more comprehensive assessments of grid emissions. These margins, representing emissions from the latest capacity additions and a blend of operating and build scenarios, now better reflect the environmental benefits of renewable energy. For 2023-24, the BM was 0.552 tCO2/MWh, and the CM stood at 0.757 tCO2/MWh. Both values show a decline due to the increased share of renewables. Moreover, the role of renewable energy has gained prominence, with projects like wind farms and solar parks contributing to emission reductions. For instance, a hypothetical 100 MW wind project could achieve a combined margin emission factor of 0.861 tCO2/MWh, emphasizing the scalability of such initiatives. India’s grid has also evolved into a unified system, enabling better energy distribution across states and facilitating cross-border electricity trade with neighboring countries. The 2023-24 adjustments accounted for these transfers without significant impacts on overall emission factors. The growth of renewable energy highlights India’s dual objectives: addressing its energy demands while mitigating environmental impact. Initiatives like biomass co-firing in thermal plants further demonstrate efforts to integrate renewable energy into traditional frameworks, reducing dependency on coal and other fossil fuels. The database not only aids policymakers in understanding the carbon implications of various energy sources but also supports developers of renewable projects under mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). It provides standardized data essential for calculating emission reductions and promoting transparency and accountability. As renewable energy generation continues to expand, its pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of India’s power sector is clear. The database serves as a tool to track progress and reinforces the importance of transitioning to a sustainable energy future. |
