Renewable Energy Technology: A Solution for the Energy Crisis?

Energy crisis has never felt more personal than ever before. With continuing geo-political tensions in the world, the energy crisis has contributed to increased costs of living, serving as a big blow to the simple, working class individual. Renewable energy technologies have been proposed as a possible solution to counter this energy instability. This article explores various aspects of renewable energy technologies and also provides readers a compelling disclosure about the renewable sources of energy within this cosmos, and the singular solution to everlasting resources.

Renewable Energy Technology Highlights

• Sustainability is the primary pivot of renewable energy technology, with emphasis on systems that can produce energy indefinitely without the depletion of natural resources.

• India ranks 4th worldwide in installed capacity of renewable energy overall. (Source: Renewable Energy Statistics 2023-2024, MNRE)

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aims to meet its ‘ambitious target of 500 GW capacity by 2030’ by putting in place several measures and policies to strengthen India’s renewable technologies ecosystem. (Source: Renewable Energy Statistics 2023-2024, MNRE)

• Within the first-ever comprehensive documentation by the statistics department of MNRE, MNRE Secretary Bhupinder S. Bhalla stated that India has achieved 190.57 GW of ‘renewable energy power installed capacity’ by 31st March 2024.  (Source: Renewable Energy Statistics 2023-2024, MNRE)

• India holds the potential to overtake China in the energy production sector by 2035, if it effects transition into clean energies, says Energy Technology Perspectives 2024 report by International Energy Agency (IEA).

(Citation: IEA (2024), Energy Technology Perspectives 2024, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-technology-perspectives-2024, Licence: CC BY 4.0) 

• China remains the global leader in the energy manufacturing sector with its market share reaching about 3/4th of the world market, at 70%, for clean technologies.

(Citation: IEA (2024), Energy Technology Perspectives 2024, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-technology-perspectives-2024, Licence: CC BY 4.0)

• Though certain pockets of the world are taking big strides in the energy sector, geo-political rifts have resulted in energy crises for some countries.

• The real question is: Are renewable energy technologies truly the answer to sustain depleting resources?

What Is Renewable Energy?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) classifies natural sources of energy such as water, solar, wind, geothermal and biomass as renewable sources of energy (IEA, 2019:3). These resources are replenished by nature periodically, and therefore, are known as renewable sources of energy.

What Is Renewable Energy Technology?

The umbrella term ‘renewable energy technology’ stands for processes that produce energy from natural energy resources like solar, water (tidal and hydro), wind, geothermal heat and biomass (biowastes and biofuels). All these energy sources are renewable sources of energy.

Image Title: ‘Types of Renewable Energy Sources’

Image Source: ‘Social, environmental, and economic consequences of integrating

renewable energies in the electricity sector: a review’. Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369521612_Social_environmental_and_economic_consequences_of_integrating_renewable_energies_in_the_electricity_sector_a_review

Citation:

TY  – JOUR

AU  – Farghali, Mohamed

AU  – Osman, Ahmed

AU  – Chen, Zhonghao

AU  – Abdelhaleem, Amal

AU  – Ihara, Ikko

AU  – Mohamed, Israa

AU  – Yap, Pow Seng

AU  – Rooney, David

PY  – 2023/03/24

SP  – 

T1  – Social, environmental, and economic consequences of integrating renewable energies in the electricity sector: a review

VL  – 21

DO  – 10.1007/s10311-023-01587-1

JO  – Environmental Chemistry Letters

ER  – 

These renewable sources of energy function like raw materials that are then converted by renewable energy technologies into forms of energy usable by humans, such as mechanical, electric or thermal.

Renewable Energy Technology versus Clean Technology

Clean technology is a broader category that strives to achieve no pollutants in production processes, whereas renewable energy technology focuses on sustainability and is a subset of clean technology. Given below are some key distinctions:

Types of Renewable Energy Technology

We will be focussing on the five key technologies – solar, wind, water, geothermal and biomass, explained here briefly.

Solar Power

The sun radiates so much energy on Earth per hour, that it can sufficiently power the world atleast for a year. Solar panels, made of photovoltaic cells, capture this energy and convert it into electricity. Advanced systems like Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) even use mirrors to focus sunlight, creating intense heat for energy generation.  

• Solar energy in India has become a global success story. India was at rank 5, globally, at the end of 2022 in the ‘deployment of solar photovoltaics’. (Reference: REN21’s Global Status Report 2023 & IRENA’s Renewable Capacity Statistics 2023, Source: MNRE)

• The Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, one of the largest in the world, symbolises the country’s ambitious efforts to lead the clean energy transition. 

• Through initiatives like the National Solar Mission, India’s capacity of solar-installed has risen to 70.10 GW as per statistics dated 30th June 2023. (Source: MNRE)

Wind Energy

Wind turbines capture the kinetic energy of moving air and turn it into electricity. 

• Offshore wind farms, such as the Hornsea Project in the UK, are revolutionising energy production by generating power far from crowded land areas.  

• India ranks fourth globally in wind energy capacity, with states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat leading the way. (Source: PIB Press Note, 15 June 2023)

• The Muppandal Wind Farm in Tamil Nadu, one of World’s largest, showcases India’s potential to harness sustainable energy. (Source: NES Fircroft)

However, consistent wind speeds and community concerns over land use remain key challenges for wind power in India.

Hydropower

Hydropower utilises the energy of flowing water in order to generate electricity. 

• From massive dams like the Three Gorges Dam in China to small-scale river systems, this technology is versatile and reliable.  

• India has long utilised its rivers for energy, with projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam providing electricity and irrigation. 

• While hydropower accounts for about 12% of India’s renewable energy capacity, debates over displacement and environmental impact have led to a shift towards smaller, run-of-the-river projects. (Source: Observer Research Foundation)

Geothermal Energy: Energy From the Heat Below

Beneath the Earth’s crust, is a huge reservoir of heat. Geothermal plants tap into this energy to produce electricity or heat homes directly. 

• Iceland is a shining example, with nearly 90% of its homes powered by geothermal energy.

• India’s geothermal potential remains untapped, though projects like the Puga Valley initiative in Ladakh aim to explore this clean energy solution. 

With the right investment, geothermal energy could play a vital role in India’s renewable energy growth.

Biomass: Turning waste into energy

Biomass energy is derived from organic materials such as wood, crop waste and even garbage. It can produce electricity, heat, or bio fuels like ethanol.

• Brazil’s sugarcane ethanol programme has been a global leader, cutting the country’s dependence on oil.  

• In India, biomass energy is making strides in states like Punjab and Haryana, where agricultural waste is being converted into electricity.

• Bio-CNG plants are also helping cities manage organic waste while reducing reliance on fossil fuels, showcasing affordable renewable energy solutions for rural and urban areas.

Impact of Renewable Energy Technology

Switching to renewable energy isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions – it’s about building a better, fairer world.  

• Protecting the Planet: Renewables produce little to no greenhouse gases. For instance, replacing coal plants with solar farms in Rajasthan is helping India cut emissions.  
• Energy for All: Off-grid solar systems in India are lighting up remote villages, bringing electricity to places that traditional grids can’t reach, such as the Sundarbans.  
• Jobs and Growth: The renewable energy sector in India employed nearly 1.02 million people in 2023, from solar panel manufacturing to wind farm construction. (Source: PIB Press Note, 4th October 2024)
• Energy Independence: By harnessing local resources, India is reducing its reliance on imported oil and coal, boosting energy security in India.

Challenges of Renewable Energy Technology

While clean energy solutions hold immense promise, the journey to a sustainable future isn’t without hurdles:  

• Storage Issues: Solar and wind energy are unpredictable—what happens when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow? Affordable, large-scale batteries are still a work in progress.  
• High Upfront Costs: Installing wind farms or solar grids requires significant investment, making it tough for poorer nations and rural communities in India to adopt.  
• Policy Roadblocks: India’s renewable energy policies, while ambitious, sometimes face delays in implementation due to bureaucratic challenges and funding constraints.  
• Environmental Impact: Even green technologies have downsides. For instance, wind turbines in Tamil Nadu have faced criticism for affecting bird migration patterns.  
• Resource Dependence: Building solar panels and wind turbines requires rare earth metals, and India still depends on imports for many of these critical materials.

Impact of Geo-Political Strife on Renewable Energy Technology

Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the world has plunged into a series of conflicts, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict. The ongoing wars have not only heightened the security concerns about each country’s energy resources, but also the purchase of energy.

• The Russia-Ukraine war resulted in sky-rocketing of energy prices.

• A noteworthy factor here is also the post-pandemic recovery of energy demands.

• Geopolitical tensions in Syria have resulted in depletion of its energy resources, sparking grave concerns.

• The rise in energy prices in these conflict-ridden areas have contributed to rising costs of living in turn.

With the world at the brink of an impending World War, we must take a moment to understand why science and technology is inept at halting the depletion of natural resources. The lack of enough literature has made us consider natural resources as ‘renewable’, whereas, in reality, ‘renewable’ is an illusion.  

■ Also Read: Why fossil fuels are exhaustible natural resources: An In-Depth Exploration

Where science reaches its limits, spirituality takes over, offering answers to questions that science can never fathom. Spirituality holds the key to resolving the deepest mysteries and challenges of existence, providing solutions that transcend the physical and material realms. It bridges the gap between the real and the perceived, guiding us toward the ultimate truth of this world.

The Renewable Path to Immortality

The real truth about renewable energy and the perishable nature of this world lies in understanding two profound dimensions – the interdependence of the five elements of nature on ‘Akash’ (Aether) and the distinction between immortal and mortal worlds.  

We are aware that the cosmos is composed of five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Aether (Akash). However, beyond this physical reality lies a deeper spiritual truth revealed by Jagatguru Tatvadarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. He explains that Supreme God Kabir, the Ultimate Creator, created all universes and their elements, including souls, through the formidable power of His divine speech, known as ‘Shabd’.  

God Kabir’s omnipresence pervades all universes in the form of His Shabd, the eternal and creative force through which every element operates tirelessly. This omnipresence is not merely an abstract concept but the very foundation of existence. Each of the five elements functions harmoniously, sustained by the power of Shabd, ensuring the seamless interdependence of all creation. Saint Garibdas Ji Maharaj from Haryana has stated in His divine verses about the creation of five elements by Supreme God Kabir: 

Garib, Chand Soor Paani Pavan, Dharni Dhaul Aakash |

Paanch Tatv Haziri Khade, Khijamtidar Khawas ||

The Divine Power of Shabd

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that this profound relationship between the elements and the layering of universes is structured in divine precision. All the elements work in perfect balance, powered by the invisible but ever-present Shabd of God Kabir:

• The first element, ‘Akash’ (Aether), is fundamental to the existence of the other elements. Its intrinsic characteristic, ‘Shabd’ (Word), manifests as the resonance we perceive in the universe. ‘Shabd’ is the basis of all the interactions within the five elements.  

• The next element, Wind, is characterised by touch, which carries sensations of warmth or cold as it interacts with living beings. When wind caresses objects or individuals, it produces mild sounds, signifying the ever-present influence of Shabd from Akash. 

• Fire, the next element, facilitates vision and the sensation of warmth. Its warmth is amplified by the touch quality of wind, while its crackling sound is yet another manifestation of Shabd, demonstrating the inseparable bond between fire and aether. Fire’s vibrant presence is both seen and felt, but its essence is incomplete without the omnipresent ‘Shabd’.  

• Water, the fourth element, invokes the sense of taste and the feeling of coolness or warmth when it comes into contact with us. These sensations are supported by the touch quality of wind. When water flows or droplets fall, the accompanying sound is a direct expression of the Shabd within Akash.

• Earth is responsible for the sense of smell. When water meets the earth, it releases fragrances or odours, a unique characteristic of this element. The earth’s tangible quality, which we can touch, is influenced by wind, while the sounds created when earth fragments fall or collide are again a testament to the presence of Shabd from Akash.

‘Akash’ is inseparable from all other elements. Its omnipresence through Shabd binds Earth, Water, Fire and Wind into a unified, interdependent system. 

Similarly, Sant Rampal Ji describes that the power of Supreme God Kabir is all-pervading and omnipresent through His creation. It is inseparable. However, the abode of God Kabir is Satlok, the only immortal realm among all the universes that exists. So, if God Kabir created us, then what is the reason for our perishable, decaying nature when the Supreme God Himself is the singular invincible and immortal God?

This grave distinction is a consequence of our own mistake. We lost our permanent residence in Satlok, a realm free from pain and decay. Our perishable nature is the result of our own choices, not the will of the Supreme Creator. Yet, the merciful God Kabir offers us a path to redemption and reclaim our place in the immortal realm.

Mortal and Immortal Realms

Holy Atharvaved, Kaand 4, Anuvaak 1, Mantras 1 and 4 testify that Supreme God Kabir, our Creator, orchestrates His grand design of the entire cosmos. He has divided it into two territories, the upper immortal realm and the lower temporary universes. He crafts each realm with distinct elements. 

Atharvaved, Kaand 4, Anuvaak 1, Mantra 1:

Brahm jagyanM prathmM purastaad vi seematH surucho ven aavH|

SaH budhanyaH upma asya vishthaH satashch yonimsatashch vi vaH ||1||

Translation: The Primordial i.e. Eternal God by appearing, that weaver on the summit secured Satlok etc self-illuminated and boundless loks i.e. the different loks with vast boundaries, by His own desire, wisdom and with great passion by weaving like a warp i.e. cloth. And that Supreme God only does all the creation. Therefore that same Original Master has created the original place Satyalok. Similar to this, He separately established the residing places, the somewhat permanent loks of Akshar Purush i.e. ParBrahm and the temporary loks etc of Kshar Purush.

Atharvaved, Kaand 4, Anuvaak 1, Mantra 4:

Sa hi divH sa prthivya ritstha mahi kshemM rodsi askbhaayat 

Mahaan mahi askbhaayad vi jaato dhyaM sadam paarthivM chrajH ||4||

Translation: The Almighty God created the upper eternal universe/loks like Satlok, Alakh lok, Agam lok and Anami lok. These divine realms are created from light with the element of sky i.e. Sound. Similarly, He created all the lower/temporary universes of Brahm and ParBrahm with the element of Earth and established smaller regions and residential places in every universe.

Leaving no room for doubt, the Atharvaveda further testifies the name of our Supreme Father God Kabir as ‘KavirDev’.

Atharvaved, Kaand 4, Anuvaak 1, Mantra 7:

YoatharvanM PitraM DevbhandhuM BrahspatiM namsaav ch gachchhaat
TvaM vishweshaM janita yathaasH KavirDevo na dabhaayat swadhavan ||7||

Translation: The God who is ‘eternal’ and ‘immortal’ in reality (It’s also evident in Gita 15:16-17). He is the Guru and father of the universe (Jagat guru), the basis of the soul; who takes the devotees, who have become completely liberated by worshipping Him, to Satlok. The creator of all the universes, who does not betray like Kaal (Brahm) is KavirDev i.e. Supreme God Kabir.

Since ages, this invaluable and fundamental truth of existence lay concealed within this sacred scripture, and no spiritual guru could ever decipher and point out this crucial evidence other than Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reveals that through true spiritual knowledge and devotion to God Kabir, one can transcend the mortal world and attain the immortal, eternal realm. While renewable energy and sustainable practices strive to preserve this perishable planet, they only address the surface of a deeper cosmic truth. The physical world, governed by the five elements, is inherently mortal and ever-changing.  

The current global focus on renewable energy reflects humanity’s desire to sustain life and protect the planet. However, understanding the deeper interconnection between the elements and their divine origin reminds us of a greater responsibility – to seek the eternal truth and strive for uniting with our Creator forever.

Let us look beyond the perishable and embrace the immortal truth of existence, as revealed by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, through the eternal Shabd of God Kabir. Discover the sequence of events that led us to being exiled in this destructible world, and means to get back to our original, immortal and imperishable abode, Satlok, through eye-opening discourses of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.

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