Question

Why does ‘solar thermal energy’ have greater advantage over ‘non-renewable energy’ in India? Explain.

Hint:

Solar thermal energy offers environmental and economic benefits over non-renewable sources, making it a preferred option in countries like India with abundant sunshine.

Answer 1

Solar thermal energy has significant advantages over non-renewable energy sources in India for several key reasons:
- Abundant Solar Resource: India receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, especially in the western and southern parts of the country. This makes solar thermal energy a reliable and renewable energy source that can be harnessed locally.
- Environmentally Friendly: Solar thermal energy is clean and does not produce harmful emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2), unlike non-renewable energy sources such as coal or oil, which contribute to air pollution and global warming.
- Sustainability: Solar thermal energy is sustainable as it does not deplete natural resources, unlike non-renewable energy sources which are finite and can be exhausted over time.
- Cost-Effective: Once the initial infrastructure is set up, the cost of generating solar thermal energy is relatively low, especially compared to the long-term costs of fossil fuels, which are subject to price volatility.
- Energy Security: Solar thermal energy reduces dependence on foreign sources of energy and helps enhance energy security by providing a locally sourced and inexhaustible form of power.
- Government Support: The Indian government has been actively promoting solar energy through various policies and incentives, such as the National Solar Mission, to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and to meet the growing demand for energy in a sustainable manner.