Balancing Renewable Energy and Biodiversity: India's Approach

The Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2024, released by the World Economic Forum earlier this year, ranked 120 countries making strides in energy fairness, security, and sustainability. India has ranked 63rd out of 120 countries in ETI and leading a mission to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030, with massive solar, wind, and hydropower projects leading the charge. This push for renewable energy is critical for the nation’s climate goals and energy security, but it also brings challenges, especially for biodiversity in ecologically sensitive regions. For example, in the Thar Desert—home to some of India’s largest solar farms—special efforts are being made to protect endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard. Buffer zones are created, and transmission lines are designed to minimize harm to local wildlife and migratory birds.

Recognizing these risks, the Indian government has prioritised biodiversity within its renewable energy framework. The Indian government, in collaboration with energy companies, has prioritized biodiversity conservation alongside energy expansion. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) mandates biodiversity assessments for large-scale energy projects, ensuring minimal disruption to ecosystems.

A brief about leading companies in India’s energy sector that are at the forefront of Biodiversity conservation.

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited – NTPC is the largest energy producer in India, and the first PSU with a dedicated biodiversity policy. NTPC REL is pushing towards 10 GW of renewable energy park in Rajasthan, has entered into a joint venture with Damodar Valley Corporation for 4.75 GW of renewable energy park in Gujarat and also commissioned the largest floating solar project at Ramagundam reservoir in Telangana actively integrating biodiversity-friendly practices to preserve the natural habitat of the region.

ReNew Power - ReNew is one of India’s top renewable energy companies, offering clean & green energy with a portfolio of 13.7 GW including Wind, Solar, Hybrid & Hydro Power. It has implemented bird diverters on their transmission lines in Gujarat, reducing risks to migratory species like flamingos. Their solar parks are strategically designed to ensure minimal disruption to local flora and fauna, contributing to habitat conservation by preserving surrounding greenery.

Greenko Group - Greenko is a major player in the renewable energy sector, and operates hydropower, wind and solar projects in biodiversity-rich regions of Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Sikkim. The company collaborates with local communities to safeguard aquatic ecosystems, helping to maintain river health and conserve fish species while generating renewable power. For example, at Greenko’s Rayala wind power site, an initiative to conserve and protect butterflies was undertaken by developing organic farm and plantation of high nectar flowers within the project boundary. Also, Greenko partnered with WWF-India Greenko to conserve endangered species like Olive Ridley Turtle and associated with the Forest department for habitat conservation and species recovery of Great Indian Bustard in Andhra Pradesh.

Adani Green Energy Limited - Adani Green Energy is contributing to India’s renewable energy goals with several large-scale solar projects. In Jaisalmer’s ecologically sensitive areas, they have partnered with environmental NGOs to conserve species like the Great Indian Bustard through captive breeding and habitat development. Also, insulation sleeves and cotton flags are installed at the energised part of the pole to ensure that birds eliminate any risk of bird electrocution.

Tata Power - Tata Power has undertaken a unique initiative by combining solar energy with marine ecosystem conservation. In collaboration with various environmental bodies, Tata Power is working on restoring mangrove ecosystems near their coastal solar plants. This effort not only ensures sustainable energy generation but also supports coastal biodiversity and protects against erosion.

India’s energy sector is thus leading the charge in demonstrating that clean energy expansion and biodiversity conservation can go hand-in-hand. The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its alignment with energy sector policies reflects India’s commitment to achieving sustainable development that balances ecological preservation with industrial growth. As the country accelerates its shift towards renewable energy, integrating biodiversity into its core strategies will ensure a future where both nature and industry thrive.

References:

• https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/top-10-listing/top-10-countries-leading-energy-transition-2024-india-rank-9559569/

• https://powermin.gov.in/en/content/500gw-nonfossil-fuel-target

• https://mnre.gov.in/

• https://moef.gov.in/

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1829770

• https://www.renew.com/safety-culture-renew

• https://greenkogroup.com/IR2018-19/natural-capital.php       https://www.adanigreenenergy.com/sustainability#:~:text=Our%20Commitment%20towards%20Biodiversity,and%20identifying%20impacts%2C%20if%20any

• https://www.tatasustainability.com/Environment/Biodiversity

• https://www.cbd.int/