India is shifting to clean energy more quickly than China did at a similar stage of economic growth, according to an analysis by the climate think tank Ember, CNN reported.
China is often viewed as the world’s top clean energy leader, but the report suggests India’s shift toward a broader use of clean energy could be faster and produce less carbon. When China’s income levels were similar to India’s today, it had very little solar power and few electric vehicles.
In contrast, solar power now accounts for about 9% of India’s electricity mix, making it the world’s third-largest solar producer. Electric vehicles are also gaining ground, with electric three-wheelers accounting for nearly 60% of all three-wheeler sales nationwide and EVs making up around 5% of total car sales.
India still relies on coal and oil but uses much less fossil fuel than China did at the same stage of development. Cost is the main driver of India’s clean energy transition. Falling prices for solar power, energy storage and batteries have made renewable energy cheaper than new coal plants. Energy security is another factor, as India imports most of its oil and a large share of its gas.
India’s clean energy supply chain continues to be heavily dependent on China, but domestic production of solar modules has expanded rapidly. The government is now working to increase the output of critical minerals.
