Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Renewable energy, fossil fuels, Ember report
Mains: GS Paper 3 — Environment, Energy, Climate Change

Why in News?

A recent report by Ember highlighted that global fossil fuel-based electricity generation declined, driven largely by India and China’s increasing adoption of clean energy.

Key Findings of the Report

• Global fossil-based electricity declined
• India and China:
  ✔︎ Major contributors to this shift
• China:
  • Reduced fossil electricity generation significantly
• This is:
  ✔︎ First decline since Covid period
  ✔︎ Only the 5th such instance this century

Why is Fossil Power Declining?

Key Reasons:

• Rapid expansion of:
  • Solar energy
  • Wind energy
• Government policies promoting:
  • Renewable energy
• Climate commitments:
  • Net-zero targets

India’s Role in Energy Transition

India is:

• Among fastest-growing renewable energy markets
• Increasing capacity in:
  • Solar
  • Wind
  • Hydropower

✔︎ Policy push includes:

• National Solar Mission
• Renewable energy targets (500 GW by 2030)

Why This Shift Matters

Environmental Impact:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Lower air pollution

Economic Impact:

• Reduced import dependence on fossil fuels
• Boost to green jobs

Strategic Impact:

• Energy security
• Climate leadership

Challenges in Energy Transition

• Intermittency of renewable energy
• Storage limitations
• Infrastructure gaps
• Continued dependence on coal

Global Context

• Fossil fuels still dominate energy mix globally
• Transition is:
  ✔︎Uneven across countries

✔︎ India & China:

• Key players in global climate outcomes

Quick Recap for Exam

• What: Global fossil fuel-based electricity declined
• Key driver: India & China shift toward clean energy
• Source: Global Electricity Review (Ember Report)
• Significance: First such decline since Covid period
• Trend: Renewable energy replacing fossil fuels

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Ember is:

A. A government body
B. A global energy think tank
C. A UN agency
D. A financial institution

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Which of the following are renewable sources?

1. Solar
2. Wind
3. Coal

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: A

Q3. Which country is among the largest contributors to renewable energy growth?

A. USA
B. India
C. Brazil
D. Germany

✅ Answer: B

Q4. Fossil fuels include:

A. Coal
B. Petroleum
C. Natural gas
D. All of the above

✅ Answer: D

A. 100 GW
B. 250 GW
C. 500 GW
D. 750 GW

✅ Answer: C

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Energy transition is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic and strategic imperative.”
Discuss in the context of India’s renewable energy push. (250 words)

FAQs

1. What is the Ember report?

A global analysis of electricity generation trends.

2. Why is fossil fuel use declining?

Due to growth of renewable energy and climate policies.

3. What is India’s renewable energy target?

Around 500 GW by 2030.

4. Why is energy transition important?

For sustainability, economy, and energy security.

5. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 3 — Environment and Energy.

• GS3 environment