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9. Solar and Hydro Power generation an alternate solution
Aditi Kailas Sonawane (9D)
Can you imagine having no petrol for your car? Or living Did you know that the Sun provides enough energy in
without electricity to run your lights, fans, televisions, or just one hour to meet the world’s energy needs for an entire
refrigerators? The fossil fuels we use today are limited and will year? Solar energy is generated by converting sunlight into
be exhausted sooner or later. Moreover, they cause severe electricity using solar panels. It is abundant, clean, and
pollution and contribute to global warming. Therefore, the increasingly affordable.
world urgently needs clean, renewable, and sustainable sources India is rapidly expanding its solar capacity. The Bhadla
of energy. Solar Park in Rajasthan is one of the largest solar power plants
Energy has become one of the most important resources in the world. As of 2023, China is the largest producer of solar
in the modern world. It influences national policies and even electricity, followed by Japan, Germany, and India.
international relations. By 2050, the world is expected to need Hydropower is the oldest and one of the most
50% more energy than today. With growing industrialization dependable renewable energy sources. It generates electricity
and automation across sectors, the demand for electricity will using the natural flow of water through dams or rivers.
also triple. While energy is essential for development, it is also Hydropower is clean, efficient, and capable of producing energy
responsible for a major share of greenhouse gas emissions, consistently throughout the year.
making climate change a global emergency that requires India’s largest hydropower project is the Koyna
international cooperation. Hydroelectric Project in Maharashtra. Major companies such as
India too stands at a crucial point. As the world’s 3rd- Tata, Reliance Industries Limited, and L&T are among the
largest energy consumer, India’s transition towards sustainable biggest investors in solar and hydro energy projects in the
and self-reliant energy is of global importance. With a projected country.
population of 1.6 billion by 2050 and expected growth into the Solar and hydro power generation offer promising
world’s 2nd-largest economy, the country will need massive and solutions to the world’s growing energy needs. They are clean,
sustainable energy solutions. renewable, and sustainable alternatives that can reduce
Recognizing the urgency, world leaders came together at pollution, fight climate change, and ensure energy security for
the UN Climate Change Conference (Paris, December 2015) and future generations. As the world moves towards greener
adopted the Paris Agreement, a historic step aimed at reducing technologies, India too must strengthen its commitment to
global emissions and limiting the rise in temperature to well renewable energy for a brighter and cleaner tomorrow.
below 2°C.
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