Why the World Needs Better Green Technologies

Why in the News?

The global transition to renewable energy is gaining urgency amid rising carbon dioxide levels, geopolitical instability, land constraints, and the pressing need for energy self-sufficiency. While silicon photovoltaics (solar panels) have driven much of the renewable shift, experts argue that they may no longer suffice in their current form. The need for better green technologies, such as more efficient photovoltaics, artificial photosynthesis, and Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), is being widely recognised.

Background

• Silicon photovoltaics, invented in 1954 at Bell Labs, have become the dominant form of solar energy generation, thanks to mass adoption and manufacturing economies of scale, primarily led by China (80% of global supply).
• India currently produces around 6 GW of silicon solar cells and is scaling up.
• These panels, with efficiencies of 15–21%, have helped deploy 4.45 TWh of renewable energy capacity globally by 2024.
• However, with CO₂ levels rising from 350 ppm in 1990 to 425 ppm in 2025, the gap between clean energy deployment and growing energy demand continues to widen.

Feature

Limitations of Silicon Photovoltaics:

• Low efficiency (15–18% in the field) compared to newer technologies (up to 47% in labs).
• Requires more land area, which is scarce due to urbanisation and environmental preservation needs.
• Slower to scale up against fast-rising energy demand.

Impact on Green Hydrogen:

• Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity.
• Silicon-based energy input reduces overall green hydrogen efficiency, inflating costs and energy use.
• Hydrogen’s low density and high leakage risk make storage and transport energy-intensive.
• Proposed alternatives: converting hydrogen into green ammonia (NH₃) or methanol (CH₃OH), but reconversion requires more energy.

Emerging Alternatives:

• Artificial Photosynthesis (APS): Mimics natural photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and CO₂ into fuels directly.
• Gallium arsenide thin-film and other high-efficiency solar cells show promise for space-constrained or mobile applications.
• RFNBOs (Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin): Produced without biomass, using clean electricity – Europe is leading this push.

Challenge

Efficiency vs. Adoption Lag:

• Commercial rollout of next-gen solar cells is slow due to high cost, low market familiarity, and lack of manufacturing infrastructure.
• Policy & Investment Gaps:
• Governments continue to subsidise older tech; public R&D investment in energy innovation remains low, especially in India.

Land & Resource Scarcity:

• As green technologies demand land, conflict with agriculture, forests, and biodiversity escalates.

Energy Cost Paradox:

• The energy required to make green hydrogen often exceeds its energy yield, defeating the purpose of “clean” fuel unless upstream processes become far more efficient.

Geopolitical Risks:

• Overdependence on a few countries (like China) for solar manufacturing poses strategic vulnerability.

Way Forward

Diversify Energy Technologies:

• Invest in next-gen photovoltaics with higher efficiencies and lower land footprints.
• Promote APS and RFNBOs through dedicated innovation missions and international collaborations.

Boost R&D and Private Sector Collaboration:

• The Government of India should spend more on green R&D, with active participation from the private sector.
• Incentivise domestic manufacturing and innovation ecosystems.

Strategic Policy Measures:

• Frame technology-neutral incentives to avoid locking into outdated solutions.
• Include flexible, evolving standards in green hydrogen certification, focusing on full lifecycle emissions.

Urban Renewable Planning:

• Promote high-efficiency rooftop solar and floating solar in urban and semi-urban regions to offset land constraints.

Public Awareness and Energy Literacy:

• Spread awareness about the limitations of current solutions and the benefits of better green tech.
• Empower decision-makers with lifecycle data and impact metrics.

Conclusion

While silicon photovoltaics and green hydrogen have served as cornerstones of the renewable transition, they are no longer enough. Climate deadlines are approaching fast, and energy demand is rising faster still. The world needs a broad portfolio of energy technologies – more efficient, more adaptable, and more sustainable. Better green technologies are not just a scientific pursuit; they are now a strategic, environmental, and economic imperative.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Discuss the limitations of silicon photovoltaic technology in meeting the global clean energy demand. What alternative green technologies hold promise for the future?

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION