The demand for electricity in Maharashtra will grow by 57% in the next ten years, from 142,848 MU in 2015 to 223,595 MU in 2025, according to calculations made in this dissertation that take the population growth rate and the State Domestic Product (SDP) growth rate into account. This translates to an increase of 80,746 MU. Dependence on fossil fuels to provide this amount of electricity is an unviable option from both the environmental as well as the economic point of view. The future of Maharashtra thus depends on replacing all fossil fuel-based energy with renewable energy. This dissertation aims to assess the extent to which fossil fuel- based energy can be replaced by renewable energy in 10 years’ time i.e. by 2025.
By 2025, the electricity requirement of Maharashtra will be 223,595 MU. As per the energy generation addition policies of the state government, a total of 247,066 MU of electricity from fossil fuels, nuclear energy and renewable energy sources will be available in the state as of 2025 (Government of Maharashtra, 2015). If the planned generation addition in coal (8.1 GW) were not to be taken into account, a total of 198,461 MU of electrical energy would be available to the state. There would thus be a deficit of 48,605 MU, which can be replaced with renewable energy.
With regard to price and value analysis, environmental pollution caused, installation time period and lifetime of the equipment and climatic conditions prevailing in Maharashtra, solar energy and onshore wind energy seem to be the most viable options to plug the supply deficit of 48,605 MU that would arise in the state by 2025. In one scenario, 70% (34,024 MU) of 48,605 MUcan be provided by solar energy and 30% (14,582 MU) can be provided by wind energy. In the second scenario, 60% (29,163 MU) can be provided by solar energy and 40% (19,442 MU) can be provided by wind energy. The replacement of 8.1 GW of coal-thermal capacity with renewable energy could potentially result in the avoidance of 40,500 premature deaths and emissions of 41 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. It would also lead to income generation of Rs. 1,266 crores to Rs. 1,486.5 crores for the general public due to the creation of new jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND OBJECTIVES
4. OVERVIEW OF THE ENERGY SCENARIO IN MAHARASHTRA
5. THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SCENARIO IN MAHARASHTRA
6. RENEWABLE ENERGY POTENTIAL IN MAHARASHTRA
7. COMPARISON OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND TECHNOLOGIES
8. PATHWAY TO THE CREATION OF A FOSSIL FUEL-INDEPENDENT POWER SECTOR IN MAHARASHTRA
9. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Focus
This dissertation aims to assess the feasibility of transitioning Maharashtra's power sector away from fossil fuel dependence toward total reliance on renewable energy by 2025. By analyzing current energy demand, generation policies, and the potential of various renewable technologies, the research proposes a structured roadmap to replace fossil fuel-based generation with sustainable alternatives.
- Economic and technical comparative analysis of renewable energy sources.
- Forecasting future electricity demand based on population and economic growth.
- Evaluation of "true costs" of coal energy, including externalities and hidden subsidies.
- Development of a strategic plan for renewable energy integration and grid modernization.
- Assessment of employment opportunities within the renewable energy sector.
Excerpt from the Book
COST OF EXTERNALITIES
Externalities refer to activities that affect others for better or worse, without those others paying for or being compensated for the activity. Externalities exist when private costs and benefits do not equal social costs or benefits. The study covers the environmental and health externalities of coal-fired power plants.
When it comes to environmental externalities, the various processes involved in energy generation from coal have adverse impacts on the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. In terms of air pollution alone, a 1 GW coal power plant in India releases 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, 9.1 ktonnes of carbon monoxide, 12 ktonnes of nitrogen oxides, 17.4 ktonnes of sulphur dioxides,and 4.8 ktonnes of particulates with a diameter less than 2.5 μm ( PM2.5 ) annually (Goenka & Guttikunda, 2013).Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides are greenhouse gases, while carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas when inhaled in large quantities. PM2.5and sulphur dioxides are a major cause of several respiratory and cardiopulmonary ailments.
Coal power plants require large quantities of water at various stages of the energy generation process. The average water requirement per MW is 23,000m3 per year (World Institute of Sustainable Energy, 2013). A 1 GW coal power plant would thus require 23,000,000 m3 of water annually.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines Maharashtra's reliance on fossil fuels, current energy deficits, and the environmental and health costs associated with coal-based power generation.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines global environmental crises, social values in monetary economies, and the limitations of current economic systems in planning for long-term sustainability.
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND OBJECTIVES: Details the primary and secondary data collection methods used to evaluate energy potential and the specific research goals of the study.
4. OVERVIEW OF THE ENERGY SCENARIO IN MAHARASHTRA: Provides an analysis of the current power supply position in the state, including electricity demand forecasts up to 2025.
5. THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SCENARIO IN MAHARASHTRA: Reviews the status of installed renewable energy capacity in India and Maharashtra, highlighting growth trends.
6. RENEWABLE ENERGY POTENTIAL IN MAHARASHTRA: Maps and evaluates the physical potential for solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, and wave energy across the state.
7. COMPARISON OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND TECHNOLOGIES: Conducts a comparative analysis of the "true costs" of coal versus various renewable technologies, factoring in environmental externalities.
8. PATHWAY TO THE CREATION OF A FOSSIL FUEL-INDEPENDENT POWER SECTOR IN MAHARASHTRA: Synthesizes findings to propose a practical roadmap, including policy changes and smart grid implementation, to achieve a fossil fuel-independent sector.
9. CONCLUSION: Summarizes the key observations regarding the viability of transitioning to renewables and provides actionable recommendations for the state government.
Keywords
Maharashtra, Fossil Fuel, Renewable Energy, Coal, Solar Power, Wind Energy, Geothermal Energy, Tidal Energy, Electricity Demand, Smart Grid, Sustainability, Externalities, Energy Policy, Capacity Building, Power Generation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of this dissertation?
The research aims to determine if Maharashtra can transition to a power sector completely reliant on renewable energy by 2025 by evaluating the feasibility, costs, and benefits of such a shift.
Which energy sources are considered the most viable for Maharashtra?
Based on the analysis of climatic conditions, installation timelines, and environmental impact, solar energy and onshore wind energy are identified as the most promising solutions for the state.
Why is dependence on fossil fuels considered unsustainable for Maharashtra?
Fossil fuels are unsustainable due to their high environmental and health costs, depletion of limited coal reserves, and increasing electricity prices, which hamper economic development.
What research methodology was employed?
The study utilized a combination of literature review, analysis of secondary government data, and primary data collected through field trips and interviews with energy industry experts.
What is the concept of "true cost" of energy?
The "true cost" accounts for negative externalities—such as environmental pollution and public health impacts—which are typically ignored in market pricing, making renewables more competitive against coal.
What role do smart grids play in the proposed energy plan?
Smart grids are essential for managing the intermittency of renewable sources and ensuring efficient electricity transmission, particularly when transitioning from centralized coal power to decentralized renewable generation.
How would this energy transition affect job creation?
The proposed plan suggests that the large-scale implementation of solar and wind infrastructure would generate hundreds of thousands of new jobs in operations, maintenance, and manufacturing.
What are the identified barriers to renewable energy development?
Barriers include skewed financial incentives, lack of high-quality data, inadequate grid access infrastructure, and regulatory delays in the approval process for new projects.
What is the role of the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in the state's energy future?
The study questions the feasibility of commissioning the Jaitapur project within the ten-year timeframe, highlighting the massive scale and potential delays involved.
How does the Dharnai micro-grid project serve as a model?
The Dharnai case study demonstrates that decentralized, community-managed micro-grids can provide affordable, reliable, and scalable electricity to remote regions that lack main grid connectivity.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sanjana Mulay (Autor:in), 2015, Prospects for Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels in the Power Sector in Maharashtra, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/985737
