UGC NET Paper 1 Unit 9 Topic 5 : Natural and energy resources

🌞 Natural and Energy Resources: A Comprehensive Analysis for UGC NET

🔍 Overview: Natural and energy resources form the backbone of sustainable development and energy security. The focus on renewables and ecological conservation has become vital in both national and international environmental agendas.

1. Solar Energy

🌞 Solar Power Potential

India has an estimated solar potential of 748 GW. As of 2024, installed solar capacity crossed 73 GW. Major projects include the Rewa Solar Park (750 MW, MP) and Bhadla Solar Park (2,245 MW, Rajasthan).

Initiatives:

• National Solar Mission (under NAPCC)
• KUSUM Scheme for farmers
• PLI Scheme for solar module manufacturing (INR 24,000 crore)

2. Wind Energy

💨 Harnessing the Wind

India ranks 4th globally in wind power. Installed capacity is ~44 GW (2024). High potential states include Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

Key Projects:

• Tamil Nadu Muppandal Wind Farm (1,500 MW)
• Offshore wind farms under development in Gujarat (1 GW target)

3. Soil Resources

🌾 Foundation of Agriculture

India has 20 major soil types. Degradation affects ~30% of land (ICAR report). Fertility restoration through organic farming and conservation agriculture is critical.

Efforts:

• Soil Health Card Scheme
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

4. Hydro Power

💧 Power from Water

India's hydropower installed capacity is ~47 GW. Key players: NHPC, SJVNL. Hydropower contributes 11% to total electricity production.

Major Projects:

• Tehri Dam (1000 MW), Uttarakhand
• Sardar Sarovar Project (1,450 MW), Gujarat

5. Geothermal Energy

🌋 Underutilized Heat

India’s potential is ~10 GW. Key sites: Puga Valley (Ladakh), Tattapani (Chhattisgarh). Still at R&D stage due to technical and investment barriers.

Ongoing Projects:

• Explorations by ONGC in Ladakh
• National Geothermal Energy Policy under consideration

6. Biomass Energy

🌿 Organic Energy

India’s biomass potential: 18 GW. Current installed capacity: ~10 GW. Used in rural electrification and cogeneration.

Key Schemes:

• National Bio-Energy Mission
• Waste-to-Energy plants in Delhi, Pune

7. Nuclear Energy

⚛️ Controlled Fission for Power

India has 22 operational reactors. Installed capacity: ~7 GW. Goal: 22 GW by 2031. Thorium-based research ongoing at BARC.

Major Plants:

• Tarapur (Maharashtra), Kudankulam (TN), Kalpakkam (TN)
• India's 3-stage nuclear program (Pressurized Heavy Water, FBR, Thorium)

8. Forest Resources

🌳 Lungs of the Earth

Forest cover: 21.71% of India’s area (FSI Report 2023). Essential for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and climate regulation.

Conservation Strategies:

• CAMPA Fund utilization
• Green India Mission (afforestation target: 5 Mha)
• Van Dhan Yojana (tribal forest produce initiative)

📊 Summary Table: Energy Resource Comparison

Resource	Installed Capacity (India)	Key Initiatives	Challenges
Solar	73 GW	National Solar Mission	Storage, land availability
Wind	44 GW	Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy	Grid integration
Hydro	47 GW	Hydro Power Policy	Displacement, ecological impact
Biomass	10 GW	Bio-Energy Mission	Feedstock logistics
Nuclear	7 GW	NPCIL expansion	Public perception, waste disposal

🎯 UGC NET Focus Points:

• Updated data and government schemes
• Renewable vs non-renewable distinction
• Environmental and policy linkages

📝 Final Words

Remember:

• Natural resources are not infinite—use sustainably
• Green energy is central to climate goals and employment
• Track updates from MNRE, MoEFCC, and FSI