Green energy is energy that can be produced using a method,
and from a source, that causes no harm to the natural environment. One of the
prior and significant idea is Solar Energy (energy can be harnessed
directly from the sun), which is now a vision for all the economic, global and sustainable
future.
The Future of Solar Energy considers two widely
recognized classes of technologies for converting solar energy into electricity
— photovoltaics (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP), sometimes called solar
thermal — in their current and plausible future forms. Because energy supply
facilities typically last several decades, technologies in these classes will
dominate solar-powered generation between now and 2050.
Benefits of Solar
Energy in Emerging Economies
Solar electricity generation is one of very few low-carbon
energy technologies with the potential to grow to very large scale. As a
consequence, massive expansion of global solar generating capacity to
multi-terawatt scale is very likely an essential component of a workable
strategy to mitigate climate change risk.
The transition to solar energy can bring numerous benefits to
emerging economies, including economic growth, environmental sustainability,
and improved social well-being.
Economic Growth and Job Creation- Solar
energy can contribute to economic development by creating new industries, jobs,
and business opportunities. The solar value chain, which includes
manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and distribution, offers significant
employment prospects, especially in local communities. According to the
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the solar industry employed over
4 million people globally in 2021, a number that is expected to grow as the
renewable energy sector expands.
In emerging economies, where unemployment rates can be high,
the growth of the solar industry offers opportunities for job creation, skills
development, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the use of solar energy can
reduce energy costs for businesses and households, thereby improving
productivity and quality of life.
[1] Figure 1(2010-2021) and Figure 2 by IRENA https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/01/renewable-energy-transition-green-jobs/
Energy Access and Rural Development- Solar
power can provide decentralized energy solutions to off-grid and rural
communities. Small-scale solar installations, such as solar home systems (SHS)
or mini-grids, can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, providing
electricity where grid extension is impractical or too expensive. Solar power
is particularly well-suited for rural areas, where traditional energy
infrastructure may be absent, and the energy needs are often met
through expensive and polluting diesel generators.
Beyond electrification, solar energy can have a transformative
impact on other areas of rural development, including education, healthcare,
and agriculture. Solar-powered schools, clinics, and irrigation systems can
improve the quality of life and create new opportunities for sustainable
development.
Solar energy
landscape in emerging economies
In the energy industry, solar
energy has become a game-changer, especially in developing nations. These areas
are using solar power to change their energy futures because of their fast
economic growth, growing energy needs, and need for sustainable development. The solar energy landscape in these
economies is defined by a mix of opportunities, challenges, and innovations
that underscore its pivotal role in addressing global energy and environmental
goals.
Rising Energy
Demand and the Role of Solar Power -
Emerging economies are
experiencing significant increases in energy consumption due to urbanization,
industrialization, and population growth. Traditional energy sources such as
coal and natural gas are often insufficient to meet this demand sustainably.
Solar energy offers a viable alternative, particularly as the cost of solar
photovoltaic (PV) technology has plummeted over the past decade. This cost
reduction has made solar power competitive with fossil fuels, even in regions
with modest solar resources. (The figure below shows global PV capacity by 2022)
Government Policies and Initiatives –
India’s National Solar Mission also known as The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) was launched in January, 2010 under the brand name ‘Solar India’. The National Solar Mission is a major initiative of the Government of India and State Governments to promote ecologically sustainable growth while addressing India’s energy security challenge. It also constitutes a major contribution by India to the global effort to meet the challenges of climate change. The objective of the Mission is to establish India as a global leader in solar energy, by creating the policy conditions for its large scale diffusion across the country as quickly as possible. The Mission has adopted a 3-phase approach, spanning the 11th Plan and 1st year of the 12th Plan (up to 2012-13) as Phase 1, the remaining 4 years of the 12th Plan (2013-17) as Phase 2 and the 13th Plan (2017-22) as Phase 3. At the end of each plan period and mid-term during the 12th and 13th Plans, the evaluation of progress, review of capacity and targets for subsequent phases, based on emerging cost and technology trends, both domestic and global, would be undertaken. The Mission has set the target of 20,000 MW of Grid connected and 2000 MW of Off-grid capacity by 2022.
Conclusion - In conclusion, in spite of steady growth rates of Solar in India in
the last decade via the National Solar Mission, installed capacities of solar
in India still lag behind official targets. Granted, the implemented capacity
has far exceeded the original 20 GW goal of the JNNSM, but the numbers from
2022-23 are significantly short of the revised 100 GW goal of the program.
(Data represented in the above figure concludes that installed solar
capacity didn’t meet its destined targets.)
While the NSM did not fully meet its revised target of 100 GW by 2022, its achievements in scaling solar energy were transformative. It laid the foundation for a robust solar market in India, making the country a global leader in renewable energy and demonstrating the potential for large-scale solar adoption in emerging economies.
Solar powered irrigation system (SPIS) for agriculture in Kenya utilises solar energy as the primary power source to pump water, and distribute it in the farm. This system is a clean energy technology that reduces greenhouse emissions. It substitutes fossil fuels as an energy source. The company supplies and installs these systems within the east Africa region mainly for smallholder farmers. The most direct benefit is the increased revenue and income that come with the greater yields of irrigated cropland vis-Ã -vis rain-fed land. Stable water supplies allow additional growing seasons per year, massively increasing output. Drip irrigation (a central, although not unique, element of SPIS) can save around 80% of water compared to current practices, and improves crop quality thanks to more stable supply, often improving real yields by over 300%. In addition, SPIS offer significant cost savings over time on labour, fuel and fertilizer, a total value to smallholder farmers estimated at around $14,000 per acre annually. Economically, the benefits of increased use of SPIS translates into local opportunities beyond the agricultural boundaries, as small businesses arise to meet demand in manufacture, assembly, repair and sales of SPIS.
By 2022, Kenya had established over 170 MW of solar power capacity.
Notably, almost two-thirds of this capacity was integrated into the national
grid in 2021, highlighting a significant expansion in the country’s renewable
energy infrastructure.
5(Research Gate)
(The image shows the number of PV installed in MW from year 2013-2024)
Despite the potential it holds, adoption of solar energy in
emerging economies faces several challenges.
Infrastructure and Grid Integration-While
solar energy can be deployed off-grid, integrating it into national or regional
grids remains a challenge in many emerging economies. The existing electricity
grids in these regions are often outdated, underdeveloped, or unreliable,
making it difficult to integrate variable renewable energy sources like solar.
In some cases, grid stability issues, such as voltage fluctuations and power
surges, can hinder the adoption of solar power.
Financial Barriers-The
initial capital cost of solar installations, including panels, inverters, and
batteries, remains a significant barrier, particularly in
low-income countries. Although the cost of solar technology has
decreased significantly, financing remains a key challenge, especially in
regions where access to credit is limited, and financial institutions may not
have experience with renewable energy projects.
Innovative financing models, such as pay-as-you-go (PAYG)
solar systems or microfinance loans, have helped overcome this challenge in
some areas. However, more comprehensive solutions are needed to ensure the
long-term sustainability of solar energy initiatives.
Future Outlook
and Recommendations for Scaling Solar Energy in Emerging Economies
Solar panels will become the largest source of electricity in 2025 and by 2028 it will account for 42% of global electricity. The efficiency of one solar panel will increase at great speed with the advancement of technology.
To unlock the full potential
of solar energy in emerging economies, the following recommendations are
essential:
Strengthen Policy
Frameworks: Governments must create
clear, supportive policies that encourage investment in solar energy. This
includes setting renewable energy targets, offering financial incentives, and
implementing effective regulatory frameworks.
Increase Access
to Financing: Innovative
financing mechanisms, such as microloans, PAYG models, and green bonds, can
help overcome financial barriers to solar adoption. International financial
institutions can also play a key role in providing funding for large-scale
solar projects.
Invest in
Infrastructure: Upgrading
electricity grids and investing in energy storage solutions will improve the
integration of solar power into existing energy systems and help address
intermittency issues.
Promote Local
Capacity Building: Developing
local skills and expertise in solar energy installation, maintenance, and
manufacturing will help ensure the long-term sustainability of solar energy
initiatives and create jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Foster Regional
Cooperation: Collaboration
among countries in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia can enhance
knowledge sharing, reduce costs through economies of scale, and promote
cross-border solar power trade.
Conclusion
By investing in solar technologies, strengthening policy
frameworks, and ensuring equitable access to renewable energy, emerging
economies can achieve significant socioeconomic benefits, including job
creation, energy independence, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and international
organizations are crucial in driving innovation and scaling solar solutions to
address the unique challenges faced by these regions.
Solar energy opens the door to a greener, more equitable energy future as it grows more affordable and widely available. Promoting solar energy can help emerging economies lead a global revolution and demonstrate that environmental conservation and economic expansion are complimentary routes to a better future rather than antagonistic ones.
References
Dubey, V., Chauhan, A., & Verma, A. (2024). Solar Futures: Pioneering Green Energy in Emerging Economies. New Delhi. Available from :
https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/st-visions/national-mission/jawaharlal-nehru-national-solar-mission-jnnsm https://energy.mit.edu/research/future-solar-energy/ https://reeep.org/region_pro/kenya/ https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/solar-energy/solar-pv-statistics https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/01/renewable-energy-transition-green-jobs/ https://freyrenergy.com/what-does-the-future-hold-for-solar-energy/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panel https://www.lightingglobal.org/paygo/ https://esfccompany.com/en/articles/solar-energy/solar-power-plants-in-brazil/ https://rdfbd.org/solar-home-system/
