New
GS Foundation (P+M) - Delhi: 30 July, 11:30 AM Raksha Bandhan Offer UPTO 75% Off, Valid Till : 6th Aug 2025 GS Foundation (P+M) - Prayagraj: 30th July, 8:00 AM Raksha Bandhan Offer UPTO 75% Off, Valid Till : 6th Aug 2025 GS Foundation (P+M) - Delhi: 30 July, 11:30 AM GS Foundation (P+M) - Prayagraj: 30th July, 8:00 AM

The world needs better green technologies

(Prelims: Environmental Ecology)
(Mains, General Studies Paper- 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment)

Context

Countries are currently facing the crisis of land scarcity, geopolitical conflicts, rising carbon dioxide levels and the urgency of energy self-sufficiency. As a result, there is an increasing need to adopt more renewable fuels as well as invest in smarter, more efficient and diverse energy innovation.

Need for better green technologies

Tackling climate change

  • Global warming is increasing due to CO₂ emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels.
  • Green technologies (solar, wind, hydrogen, battery storage) are essential for low-carbon development.

Ensuring energy equality

  • According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than 750 million people globally do not have access to electricity.
  • Green energy must be affordable and scalable to bridge energy access gaps, especially in the Global South.

Reducing dependency on critical minerals

  • Current clean technologies (e.g. lithium-ion batteries) are often heavily reliant on rare minerals (lithium, cobalt, nickel). These pose geopolitical, ethical and ecological concerns.
  • Alternative materials and recycling technologies are needed.

Fostering inclusive innovation

  • The dominance of the Global North in clean tech innovation creates technology dependency.
  • Local R&D and technology transfer are essential for equitable green transitions.

Reducing technological risks

  • Current renewable energy sources are unregulated and land-intensive. Next-generation solutions such as green hydrogen, carbon capture, small modular reactors, grid-scale storage are needed.

Reducing lifecycle emissions

Green technologies (e.g. solar panels, electric vehicles) also generate carbon footprints during production and disposal. Hence, there is a need to focus on clean production technologies and circular economy.

Challenges of better green technologies

  • High R&D costs and slow commercialization
  • Limited international collaboration on open-source green innovations
  • Patent monopolies and lack of access in the global South

Way forward

  • Publicly funded research on low-cost, sustainable green technologies
  • Global collaboration under frameworks such as UNFCCC, G-20 and COP
  • Promote technology-transfer mechanisms, especially for developing countries
  • Encourage startups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to innovate in green sectors

Also know

  • India's total installed power capacity reaches 476 GW by June 2025.
  • Non-fossil fuel sources now contribute 235.7 GW (49%) of total capacity.
    • This includes 226.9 GW of renewable energy and 8.8 GW of nuclear power.
  • Thermal power continues to be the dominant sector accounting for 240 GW or 50.52% of installed capacity.
  • India has achieved 100% rural electrification by April 2018.
  • According to International Renewable Energy Agency Renewable Energy Statistics, India ranks fourth globally in renewable energy installed capacity, fourth in wind power and third in solar power capacity.
« »
  • SUN
  • MON
  • TUE
  • WED
  • THU
  • FRI
  • SAT
Have any Query?

Our support team will be happy to assist you!

OR