Why in News?

• Amid climate pressures, geopolitical tensions, and India’s focus on energy self-reliance:

  • Experts are urging a shift from conventional solar technologies to highly efficient next-generation green technologies.

What Are Green Technologies?

• Scientific innovations and engineering systems designed for:

  • Reducing environmental harm

  • Minimizing carbon emissions

  • Promoting sustainable energy generation and efficient resource use

Why the World Needs Better Green Technologies

Low Efficiency of Conventional Solar Panels

• Silicon photovoltaics dominate but:

  • Offer only 15–18% efficiency under real-world conditions

• High-efficiency alternatives exist:

  • Gallium arsenide panels (~47%)

  • Not yet deployed at large scale

• Benefits of doubling efficiency:

  • Halves land needed for same energy output

  • Crucial for balancing urbanization and conservation

Land Scarcity and Energy Density Trade-offs

• Solar plants require large land areas due to low energy density

• Land-use conflicts arise with:

  • Expanding cities

  • Agricultural needs

  • Biodiversity conservation

• For high-population countries like India:

  • Efficient land use is key for managing energy growth

Questionable Sustainability of Green Hydrogen

• Green hydrogen via electrolysis has drawbacks:

  • Uses more energy than it provides

• Storage and transport issues:

  • Hydrogen’s low density and leakage risk

• Conversion to ammonia or methanol:

  • Adds energy-heavy steps

  • Reduces environmental benefits

Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels Despite Renewables

• CO₂ has increased from 350 ppm (1990) to 425 ppm (2025)

• Renewable energy growth is lagging behind global energy demand

• India’s solar efforts:

  • 6 GW silicon solar cell capacity

  • Still not enough without better efficiency and tech variety

Need for Disruptive Innovation

• Promising technologies include:

  • Artificial Photosynthesis (APS):

    • Mimics plant processes to convert water and CO₂ into fuels

  • Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO):

    • EU-driven approach to make carbon-neutral fuels directly from air and sunlight

• Key advantages of these technologies:

  • Reduce emissions at the source

  • Avoid inefficient conversion processes

  • Improve energy self-reliance

Challenges in Advancing Green Technologies

Financial and Developmental Barriers

• High R&D costs

• Long development timelines

  • Especially for APS and gallium arsenide cells

Geopolitical Risks and Supply Dependence

• India imports 80% of its solar components from China

  • Poses strategic and economic risks

Lack of Scaled Testing and Validation

• Technologies proven in labs (like APS, multi-junction PVs):

  • Haven’t yet shown results at commercial or national scale

Market Uncertainty

• Investors hesitant due to:

  • Uncertain returns

  • Limited evidence of real-world success

Way Forward

Increase R&D Funding

• More of India’s climate budget should support breakthrough tech like APS and RFNBO

Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

• Link startups, industries, and research institutions

  • Build innovation ecosystems

Push for Technology Diversification

• Go beyond silicon solar to include:

  • Wind

  • Hydrogen

  • Waste-to-energy

  • Nuclear

Focus on Land-Efficient Solutions

• Promote designs that reduce land pressure:

  • Floating solar

  • Rooftop photovoltaic systems

  • Building-integrated solar tech

Strengthen Global Collaboration

• Work with other countries on:

  • Technology transfers

  • Joint initiatives (e.g., Mission Innovation, India-EU Green Deal)

Conclusion

• Existing green technologies fall short of future climate and energy targets

• Innovation must stay ahead of rising energy demands

• India should not just scale current tech but lead with new, efficient solutions built for tomorrow’s needs