Adaptation of Renewable Energy Laws: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
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By: Saumya Rawat
1. Introduction
In this era of advancement, human beings and their activities have developed and become more and more complex with time. With the span of time, people's energy requirements have also increased. The usage of conventional sources has now become a major cause of environmental degradation, which has emerged as a major threat to the future.
To curb that erroneous effect and move toward a sustainable future, we have to switch over to non-conventional sources of energy, also known as renewable sources of energy.
2. What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is a form of energy that can be renewed with the passage of time and re-obtained from natural resources. These are inexhaustible forms of energy that can't be depleted. These sources include:
Solar energy
Wind energy
Geothermal energy
Hydroelectric power
Renewable energy plays a vital role in sustainable development by balancing the needs of the present with those of the future. It offers clean, natural sources of energy generation and has been at the forefront of promoting a safe and healthy environment.
With growth in this sector, there has also been a surge in job creation to develop and install renewable energy solutions for long-term impact.
3. Role of SDGs in the Usage of Renewable Energy for Creating a Sustainable Future
In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as:
“Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
To comply with that concept, the adoption of renewable energy will be a stepping stone toward creating a sustainable future.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 have been an effective step in increasing the efficacy of renewable energy. Goal 7 of SDGs aims to:
“Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.”
The transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy aims to:
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Mitigate climate change
Ensure universal access to clean energy
4. Renewable Energy Legislations in India
In the history of India's energy sector, renewable energy has been a turning point, paving the way for a sustainable future. India has worked tirelessly to reshape its energy landscape by framing key legislations that support the propagation of renewable energy.
These legislations have laid down a structural and regulatory framework to ensure growth and efficiency in this sector.
🔹 The Electricity Act, 2003
This is a major legislation for the regulation and development of India's electricity sector. It governs the generation, transmission, distribution, trading, and overall use of electricity.
Key Features:
Instructs state governments to separate transmission and system operations from generation and trading for better efficiency
Licensing for generation is not required, except for large hydropower projects
Enables creation of regulatory funds at central and state levels
Establishes an Appellate Tribunal to fast-track appeals against ERC rulings, with the Supreme Court as the final authority
This Act ensures a consistent and investor-friendly environment, supporting the growth of renewable energy.
🔹 Energy Conservation Act, 2001
This Act provides for the efficient use and conservation of energy, and prevents its excessive use. It creates a legal and institutional framework at both central and state levels to promote energy efficiency.
It also empowers the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to enforce energy conservation standards, policies, and incentives for renewable projects.
This Act serves as an awareness-triggering tool, ensuring that renewable energy is used efficiently and consciously.
🔹 Atomic Energy Act, 1962
India’s nuclear energy program began with the Atomic Energy Bill, 1948, introduced by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It was later succeeded by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, to support research and development in nuclear energy.
This Act:
Promotes the peaceful use of atomic energy
Supports national development objectives
Lays down the legal and operational framework for nuclear installations and energy production
With modernization and growing control mechanisms, nuclear energy is also being explored as a clean energy option, and the Act ensures that its benefits outweigh the risks.
5. Conclusion
India is toiling day and night to create robust energy regulatory mechanisms and strategic policies. Its commitment to renewable energy laws and clean energy regulations is a reflection of its dedication to a sustainable future.
The integration of renewable energy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) acts as a catalyst for global sustainability.
But the task is not just for authorities—citizens too must contribute. By addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in the renewable energy sector, and by aligning renewable policies with sustainability, India can reshape its energy landscape.
