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Apr 26, 2024
CleanTech: Benefits & Challenges
This editorial is based on Cleantech, for an inclusive green future in India which was published in The Hindu on 26/08/2023. It talks about the benefits of adopting CleanTech in India. It also talks
This editorial is based on Cleantech, for an inclusive green future in India which was published in The Hindu on 26/08/2023. It talks about the benefits of adopting CleanTech in India. It also talks about how India could effectively adopt CleanTech.
For Prelims: CleanTech, Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PM-FME) scheme, Paris Agreement, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Hydrogen fuel cells
For Mains: CleanTech: Significance, challenges and Way Forward
India’s experience has shown that climate action is only effective and embraced at scale if it aligns with the development aspirations of millions and contributes to economic growth.
The green economy paradigm provides an optimistic pathway to align development and environmental outcomes. For instance, building a solar park or an electric vehicle charging station helps expand the much-needed infrastructure in a developing economy while furthering climate action. Similarly, reviving millets helps improve farm incomes in rain-fed areas while making our agriculture climate resilient.
CleanTech, short for "clean technology," refers to innovative technologies, products, and processes that aim to reduce or minimize the negative environmental impact associated with various industries and activities.
CleanTech encompasses a wide range of sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, waste management, water treatment, and more. The primary goal of CleanTech is to promote sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental protection while maintaining economic growth and human well-being.
Some examples of CleanTech are:
Drishti Mains Question:
CleanTech is often considered a crucial enabler for sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges. Discuss the benefits and challenges in adapting CleanTech and suggest suitable measures to overcome the challenges.
Q. Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (2020)
Q. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (2020)
Cleantech, for an inclusive green future in IndiaFor Prelims:Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PM-FME) scheme, Paris Agreement, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Hydrogen fuel cellsFor Mains:green economy paradigm provides an optimistic pathway to align development and environmental outcomes. aim to reduce or minimize the negative environmental impact associated with various industries and activities.primary goal of CleanTech is to promote sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental protectionSome examples of CleanTech are:BiofuelsElectric vehicleshydrogen fuel cellsSmart gridsReducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels:OorjanMitigating Climate Change and Emissionsrenewable energy targetsCleanTech adoption can help India meet its emission reduction targets, align with international agreements like the Paris AgreementLog 9 Materials,nanotechnologyEcowrap biotechnologyEnhancing Energy Security and ResilienceUrjasbiofuelImproving Quality of Life:potential to transform living conditions for millions of Indians by providing access to clean and affordable energy, safe water, reliable sanitation, and efficient transportation.OxyGardenKarma HealthcareStimulating Economic Growth:CleanTech can generate income for rural communities engaged in the CleanTech value chain.S4S TechnologiesEncouraging Innovation: can spur research and development activities, leading to technological breakthroughsCarbon Masters,biogas.Carbonlites, which can be used as an alternative to LPG cylinders.Women Empowerment:Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)out of the 13,000 early adopters of clean tech livelihood appliances, more than 80% are women.India is expected to see 30 million women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)Rural Empowerment enhance rural livelihood opportunities while posing an investment opportunity worth USD 50 billion for investors and financiers. just 12 CleanTech solutions have the potential to impact at least 16% of our rural population.Low Product Awareness:not aware of the benefits and features of CleanTech products and services,High Customer Acquisition Cost: require a high upfront investment and a long payback period,Low Density of Customers:demand for CleanTech solutions is dispersed across rural and remote areas, where the infrastructure and logistics are poor and the access to finance is limited.Limited After-Sales Service and Market Linkage: may not have adequate market linkages to sell their processed products at competitive prices.Leverage Existing Government Programmes: Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojanacan be used to enable the adoption of CleanTech solutions.Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PM-FME) schemecan be used to unlock support for solutions such as a solar dryer, an energy-efficient multipurpose food processor or a solar grain mill.Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojanaadopting solar refrigerators and dryers for fishing communities. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund can support the adoption of biomass-powered cold storage and beyond.Enable Large-Scale Financing of CleanTech Solutions:requires Mitigating risks for financiers in the initial stages by providing partial guarantees. Collaborating with financiers to design loan products aligned with the unique cash flow scenarios of users,‘Powering LivelihoodsSHGs, FPOs,Enable Multi-Actor Partnerships:Addressing challenges faced by CleanTech manufacturers,Ensuring a holistic ecosystem where distributors collaborate with manufacturersIncorporating service providers to ensure reliable after-sales servicesDrishti Mains Question:Q.(2020)Q.(2020)