12.3.3 Ocean Energy
The ocean energy production comprises diverse technologies, namely tidal, wave,
ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), and salinity gradient, designed to harness
power contained in our seas and oceans and convert it to renewable low-carbon
electricity (Mofor et al. 2014). It is expected to become commercially viable with
considerable promise over the medium and longer terms. It represents a significant
opportunity to address the growing need for power and the problems associated with
fossil fuel burning. However, there is continuous challenge in consenting for wave or
tidal devices due to concerns over environmental effects. This needs to be making a
stride in a better understanding of potential impacts on marine animals, and reduce
certain risks in the near future (OES, Annual Report 2017).
The assessments of the global potential of tidal energy production vary, but it is
widely agreed that tidal stream energy capacity could exceed 120 GW globally.
Worldwide installed ocean power has more than doubled from less than 12 MW in
2016 to over 25 MW in 2017 (OES, Annual Report 2017). Ocean energy has been
included in renewable energy to give a further boost to ocean energy in India.
According to the estimates of the Indian government, the country has a potential of
8000 MW of tidal power. This includes about 7000 MW in the Gulf of Cambay in
Gujarat, 1200 MW in the Gulf of Kutch, and 100 MW in the Gangetic delta in the
Sunderbans region of West Bengal.
12.3.4 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology
Sun is the prime source of energy driving all the processes in the biosphere. Solar
photovoltaic (PV) technology enables direct conversion of sunlight into electricity. It
widely provides a significant part of the world’s future energy supply. According to
the IRENA latest statistics report, total solar PV power-generating capacity reached
480.3 GW by the end of 2018. In the IRENA annual report, it is stated that new
global capacity additions hit 94.2 GW, up slightly from 93.7 GW a year earlier and
considerably more than the 71.4 GW deployed in 2016 (IRENA 2019).
Asia has the largest share in cumulative installations, at around 274.6 GW. Most
of that capacity is installed in China (175.0 GW), Japan (55.5 GW), India
(26.8 GW), South Korea (7.8 GW), Thailand (2.7 GW), and Taiwan (2.6 GW)
(IRENA 2019). In the past few years, India has become a leading player in the
world’s PV technology. India’s total capacity is anticipated to grow 116 GW by
2023, which means the country will be installing almost 90 GW from 2019 to 2023,
or nearly 18 GW annually, on average. Europe was the second-largest region with a
combined capacity of 119.3 GW. The biggest markets by total installations are
Germany (45.9 GW), Italy (20.12 GW), the UK (13.4 GW), France (9.4 GW),
Turkey (5 GW), Spain (4.7 GW), the Netherlands (4.1 GW), and Belgium
(4.0 GW) (IRENA 2019).
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S. Prasad et al.
The ocean energy production comprises diverse technologies, namely tidal, wave,
ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), and salinity gradient, designed to harness
power contained in our seas and oceans and convert it to renewable low-carbon
electricity (Mofor et al. 2014). It is expected to become commercially viable with
considerable promise over the medium and longer terms. It represents a significant
opportunity to address the growing need for power and the problems associated with
fossil fuel burning. However, there is continuous challenge in consenting for wave or
tidal devices due to concerns over environmental effects. This needs to be making a
stride in a better understanding of potential impacts on marine animals, and reduce
certain risks in the near future (OES, Annual Report 2017).
The assessments of the global potential of tidal energy production vary, but it is
widely agreed that tidal stream energy capacity could exceed 120 GW globally.
Worldwide installed ocean power has more than doubled from less than 12 MW in
2016 to over 25 MW in 2017 (OES, Annual Report 2017). Ocean energy has been
included in renewable energy to give a further boost to ocean energy in India.
According to the estimates of the Indian government, the country has a potential of
8000 MW of tidal power. This includes about 7000 MW in the Gulf of Cambay in
Gujarat, 1200 MW in the Gulf of Kutch, and 100 MW in the Gangetic delta in the
Sunderbans region of West Bengal.
12.3.4 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology
Sun is the prime source of energy driving all the processes in the biosphere. Solar
photovoltaic (PV) technology enables direct conversion of sunlight into electricity. It
widely provides a significant part of the world’s future energy supply. According to
the IRENA latest statistics report, total solar PV power-generating capacity reached
480.3 GW by the end of 2018. In the IRENA annual report, it is stated that new
global capacity additions hit 94.2 GW, up slightly from 93.7 GW a year earlier and
considerably more than the 71.4 GW deployed in 2016 (IRENA 2019).
Asia has the largest share in cumulative installations, at around 274.6 GW. Most
of that capacity is installed in China (175.0 GW), Japan (55.5 GW), India
(26.8 GW), South Korea (7.8 GW), Thailand (2.7 GW), and Taiwan (2.6 GW)
(IRENA 2019). In the past few years, India has become a leading player in the
world’s PV technology. India’s total capacity is anticipated to grow 116 GW by
2023, which means the country will be installing almost 90 GW from 2019 to 2023,
or nearly 18 GW annually, on average. Europe was the second-largest region with a
combined capacity of 119.3 GW. The biggest markets by total installations are
Germany (45.9 GW), Italy (20.12 GW), the UK (13.4 GW), France (9.4 GW),
Turkey (5 GW), Spain (4.7 GW), the Netherlands (4.1 GW), and Belgium
(4.0 GW) (IRENA 2019).
272
S. Prasad et al.