In fact, there are quite a number of technological interventions available for
energy transitions towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Nevertheless, it
must be categorically stated that no single technological interventions can provide
pragmatic solution for all the sectors. So there is a need for energy mix, disruptive
innovative technologies, and proactive policy. Clean power technologies are essential for developing a low-carbon development path. Below are examples of widely
used clean power technology:
12.3.1 Small Hydropower
Small hydropower technology is very mature and used extensively, mainly in
mountainous countries, such as Nepal, India, and China. In India, hydropower
projects with a station capacity of up to 25 megawatts (MW) each fall under the
category of small hydropower potential (SHP). India has an estimated SHP potential
of about 15,000 MW. As of November 2017, small hydro projects totalling
4399.35 MW have been installed in the country. By 2009, small hydropower
generation was deployed widely in China with a capacity of 33 GW, while in
Japan, the size reached 4 GW. The capacity deployed among the three countries
accounted for close to 70% of the world total in 2009. In addition to the environmental benefit, hydropower could be used to provide electricity to rural and remote
areas. This results in a higher national electrification rate, an increase in local
agricultural production, and more income.
12.3.2 Wind Power
Wind power has been utilized in various forms for thousands of years. Wind power
is the use of wind to provide mechanical energy through wind turbines to turn
electric generators and traditionally to do other work, like milling or pumping. A
modern wind turbine uses an aerodynamic lift to power a rotor attached to an
electrical generator. Wind power enabling technologies has long-term prospects,
which facilitate a gradual transition to renewables-based power systems. As of the
end of 2018, the global total cumulative installed electricity production capacity
from wind power amounted to 591 GW (WWEA 2019).
Several nations have realized relatively high levels of wind power electricity
penetration, such as Denmark 39%, Portugal 18%, Spain 16%, Ireland 14%, and
Germany 9% in 2010. With regard to India, the wind energy production capacity
greatly increased during the last decade. The total wind energy installed capacity is
about 36.6 GW. The dominant wind energy-producing states in India are Tamil
Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
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271
energy transitions towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Nevertheless, it
must be categorically stated that no single technological interventions can provide
pragmatic solution for all the sectors. So there is a need for energy mix, disruptive
innovative technologies, and proactive policy. Clean power technologies are essential for developing a low-carbon development path. Below are examples of widely
used clean power technology:
12.3.1 Small Hydropower
Small hydropower technology is very mature and used extensively, mainly in
mountainous countries, such as Nepal, India, and China. In India, hydropower
projects with a station capacity of up to 25 megawatts (MW) each fall under the
category of small hydropower potential (SHP). India has an estimated SHP potential
of about 15,000 MW. As of November 2017, small hydro projects totalling
4399.35 MW have been installed in the country. By 2009, small hydropower
generation was deployed widely in China with a capacity of 33 GW, while in
Japan, the size reached 4 GW. The capacity deployed among the three countries
accounted for close to 70% of the world total in 2009. In addition to the environmental benefit, hydropower could be used to provide electricity to rural and remote
areas. This results in a higher national electrification rate, an increase in local
agricultural production, and more income.
12.3.2 Wind Power
Wind power has been utilized in various forms for thousands of years. Wind power
is the use of wind to provide mechanical energy through wind turbines to turn
electric generators and traditionally to do other work, like milling or pumping. A
modern wind turbine uses an aerodynamic lift to power a rotor attached to an
electrical generator. Wind power enabling technologies has long-term prospects,
which facilitate a gradual transition to renewables-based power systems. As of the
end of 2018, the global total cumulative installed electricity production capacity
from wind power amounted to 591 GW (WWEA 2019).
Several nations have realized relatively high levels of wind power electricity
penetration, such as Denmark 39%, Portugal 18%, Spain 16%, Ireland 14%, and
Germany 9% in 2010. With regard to India, the wind energy production capacity
greatly increased during the last decade. The total wind energy installed capacity is
about 36.6 GW. The dominant wind energy-producing states in India are Tamil
Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
12 Renewable Energy for a Low-Carbon Future: Policy Perspectives
271