Harnessing the Sun: A Spotlight On The Solar Industry On World Environment Day 2024

This year's World Environment Day campaign focuses on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, encapsulated in the slogan, 'Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration.' In India, solar businesses are at the forefront of this movement.

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5th June. Organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this day has become a significant global platform, reaching millions with crucial messages about environmental protection. This year, Saudi Arabia hosts the celebrations under the theme 'Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration'.

In line with the theme, it's pertinent to highlight advances in solar energy, the cornerstone of renewable solutions that promise a green future. Sunlight is free, clean, and abundant. Solar energy can produce both electricity and heat while using no fuel, making it one of the most renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. The success of the Indian solar industry partly hinges on India's ambitious Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, aimed at reducing import bills and boosting domestic solar production.

By adopting solar energy, industries can lower their carbon footprints, mitigate climate change, improve public health, and preserve biodiversity. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy offers a green, inexhaustible power source.

Key Takeaways from Industry Experts

Capt. Ishver Dholakiya, Founder and MD of Goldi Solar, summarizes the importance of solar energy stating, “In the face of escalating environmental challenges, the adoption of solar energy stands as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. Solar power represents not just technological innovation but symbolizes a global shift to clean & renewable energy. As an advocate of nation-building, it is essential that we continue to emphasize the critical importance of solar energy on World Environment Day to combat climate change and achieve Bharat’s decarbonization goals. Our country is blessed with abundant sunshine, so it is only natural that we harness that resource which offers a clean & renewable substitute to fossil fuels. By investing in solar technology, we are poised to create jobs, empower communities, and ensure energy security, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels for future generations. We should unite in our commitment to a greener, more prosperous India by harnessing the power of the sun.”

Udit Garg, Director of Kundan Green Energy, emphasizes the critical role of solar power in India’s future and said, “With regards to such critical, existential issues as the environment, I believe each day is a World Environment Day. It must underscore the absolute and immediate necessity of co-option with Nature. World Environment Day’s theme this year is ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’. Its slogan is ‘Our Land, our Future. We are the Generation Restoration’. The last word, ‘Restoration’ holds great significance. In a world increasingly seeking energy solutions, green energy is key to restoring the natural balance. Indian solar power adoption is a testbed for one of the most important questions of our time: can developing nations reduce carbon footprints as they fulfill economic potential? Over the next 20 years, India will see the greatest demand for energy among all countries. Not just economic growth, but the population (estimated to grow by 270 million) will drive this demand. For a country aspiring to become a $5 trillion economy, carbon-free growth is an existential imperative. We are fortunate that most parts of India have 300 – 330 sunny days a year, equivalent to over 5000 trillion kWh per year. Average solar incidence stands at a strong 4 – 7 kWh/sq.meter/day. India’s solar potential is real, and the support environment is improving fast, forecasting a $6 billion to $7 billion capital-equipment market and close to $4 billion in annual revenues for grid-connected solar generators. The longer-term value will come from efficiently executed projects, low-cost (and often innovative) financing, and localization. A vital aspect is module manufacturing facilities in-country. To be a global leader in solar energy, India must create policy conditions for solar technology diffusion across the country quickly. Going forward, we must also focus on emerging technologies such as monocrystalline, bifacial, and half-cut cells, micro-inverters, and tracking equipment. These hold promise for disruptive gains in solar efficiency.”

Beyond environmental and economic benefits, solar energy can dramatically improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Ankita Mittal, CEO of Enhanced Innovations, highlights this potential stating, “Better Healthcare Accessibility- Solar Energy ensures a reliable power supply for medical equipment in remote areas, such as our device for last-mile healthcare delivery – Phloton. Solar Power backup allows the device to be less dependent on unstable grids and increases medical supply accessibility. This can be true for all last-mile health service infrastructure. Almost 60% of healthcare facilities in 46 low and middle-income countries do not have reliable power. Promoting Environmental Sustainability- Solar Energy reduces reliance on Fossil Fuels, which lowers pollution and fosters sustainability. This is essential for maintaining a sustainable ecosystem in low-resource settings. Implementing large-scale health solutions with traditional energy sources will contribute heavily to global warming and climate change. Switching to renewables, especially solar energy, can foster better health outcomes for humans while not compromising the fragile health of the planet. Cost Effective and Scalable Solution- Solar Power offers long-term savings and scalability, enabling the expansion of healthcare services in underserved communities. It supports equitable healthcare access and environmental sustainability. Selco Foundation is one such organization that is working towards providing renewable-based health solutions for populations in low-resource settings. Solar energy, especially in the developing world, can ensure there is equitable healthcare access for all.”

Sudhir Nain, Operation Head - Domestic of Jakson Green, remarks, "Air pollution and climate change are critical threats impacting billions, with 91% of the global population breathing polluted air and deforestation contributing 20% of global emissions. At Jakson Green, we understand the urgency and are dedicated to transforming stakeholders' decarbonization visions into reality through advanced green technology, renewable solutions, and sustainable practices. By harnessing nature and developing innovative green molecule solutions, we aim for a healthier planet. Collective action is vital, and businesses must transition to renewable energy, promote sustainability, and advocate for change. Jakson Green leads by example, being IGBC certified, using integrated sewage treatment plants, and green-certified housekeeping chemicals. Our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability innovation drives us to advance our practices and technologies continuously. On this World Environment Day, inspired by decades of environmental advocacy, let's commit to environmental consciousness, track our footprints, set achievable goals, and make informed choices for a sustainable future."

Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman & Managing Director of Vikram Solar, states, “We at Vikram Solar renew our pledge to advance India's climate goals and foster a sustainable tomorrow. Recognizing our critical role as leaders in renewable energy, we are more determined than ever to confront climate change head-on and champion sustainable practices. By harnessing solar power, we not only fuel our nation’s transition to cleaner energy but also catalyse the shift toward a more sustainable way of living. Moreover, our commitment extends to minimizing our environmental footprint through initiatives like adopting paperless operations. This approach is not merely about powering homes and industries—it is about pioneering innovations that inspire global environmental stewardship. By aligning our actions with these principles, we illuminate the path to a resilient, green future, proving that technological advancement and ecological responsibility can indeed coexist.”

Manish Dabkara, Chairman and MD, EKI Energy Services Ltd., expresses, "On this World Environment Day, EKI joins the global community in recognizing the critical role healthy land plays in our collective future. The theme, "Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience," resonates deeply with our mission to steer the world to net-zero through end-to-end climate-positive, community-based projects and nature-based solutions. Degraded land threatens biodiversity, food security, and the well-being of communities worldwide. We are committed to using Land restoration and combating desertification as a vital tool for climate action. This includes planting trees, supporting sustainable agriculture practices, and developing innovative solutions for land restoration. This World Environment Day, we call for collective action. We urge individuals, businesses, and policymakers to join us in supporting land restoration initiatives by investing in projects that restore degraded land and promote sustainable land management practices. We also encourage responsible consumption by making conscious choices and most importantly, by raising awareness about the importance of healthy land and the threats posed by desertification and drought. By working together, we can create a future where our land thrives, supporting a healthy planet for generations to come. EKI remains dedicated to playing its part in achieving this goal."

Naresh Mansukhani, CEO, Juniper Green Energy, states, “For long, our planet has endured the constant exploitation of resources and natural bodies. We are now standing at a critical crossroads where our actions will determine whether we leave behind a legacy of environmental destruction or a well-balanced ecosystem. With over 40% of the world experiencing record-high temperatures this year, addressing environmental concerns has become more pressing than ever. All the governments must come together to discuss this critical issue and move towards a sustainable future. This year’s theme for World Environment Day: land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience reflects the need to increase our earth’s green cover to fight the soaring high temperatures. At Juniper Green Energy, we are committed to leading the charge in renewable energy solutions that not only reduce our carbon footprint but also support the restoration of our planet's ecosystems. Our initiatives focus on harnessing the power of solar and wind energy to create sustainable, resilient communities. On World Environment Day, we urge individuals and organizations to strike a balance between people, profit, and the planet. By working together and maintaining this delicate balance, we can achieve a sustainable future that benefits everyone."

Shashank Sharma, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Sunsure Energy, highlights the critical role of solar power in addressing these challenges. “Our dependence on fossil fuels has driven greenhouse gas emissions to unprecedented levels, contributing to global warming and subsequent temperature rises. These climatic changes have accelerated land degradation, leading to widespread desertification and increased frequency of droughts, which threaten both ecosystems and human livelihoods. At this crucial environmental junction, renewable energy presents a proven alternative to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, produce clean energy, and mitigate global temperature rise. This shift is essential for achieving a low-carbon future and providing ecosystems with the opportunity to recover and thrive. Sunsure Energy is dedicated to supporting India's green energy goals by providing renewable energy solutions to leading commercial and industrial companies. With 500 MW of assets under operation across 16+ states and an additional 2.5 GW in the pipeline as of May 2024, we are making significant strides in our mission. We are driving India's transition to green power by becoming the preferred renewable energy solutions provider for corporations. Our focus is on actively addressing energy decarbonization challenges in industries such as steel, cement, data centers, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles through our tailored solutions, thereby contributing to land restoration and building resilience against desertification and drought,” he said.

Dr. Steve Moore, Deputy CEO of Cairn Oil & Gas, part of Vedanta Ltd., emphasizes their commitment to sustainability and said, “Cairn Oil & Gas is proudly leading the way in driving energy security for India in tandem with energy transition and sustainability. With a goal to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030, we are committed to transforming the planet by adopting innovations aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and conserving natural resources. We are actively investing in renewable energy projects. We have reduced the potential gas flaring intensity by 60% over the past four years and plan to source up to 70 MW of renewable energy by 2030, with the renewable Power Delivery Agreement for 25 MW. Our operations in Rajasthan and Gujarat have already been installed with solar rooftops and we are consistently exploring low-carbon technological solutions. We have undertaken a feasibility study on a 'Waste to Power' project to utilize lean gas, CO2-rich gas, solid waste, and other industrial waste to generate power through pressurized oxy combustor technology. The resulting CO2 gas can then be further utilized for enhanced oil recovery.”

Sumit Barat, Chief Sustainability Officer of BluPine Energy, underscores the company's approach to environmental stewardship stating, "On this World Environment Day, BluPine Energy stands resolute in its commitment to nurturing our planet back to health. We believe in action over rhetoric, exemplifying this through our ambitious tree-planting initiative. With 1000 trees taking root, we are not just greening the landscape, but revitalizing ecosystems to combat desertification. We will plant 1000 trees in 7 states and 27 site locations such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. Additionally, BluPine fosters a culture of sustainability within our ranks by hosting enlightening talks by a sustainability expert from PwC and igniting creativity through the '#WasteToWonder' and '#BeASustainableHero' campaigns. Through these initiatives, we encourage our employees and colleagues to showcase actionable solutions, participate in competitions, and win prizes, demonstrating that every individual can be an agent of change. Furthermore, our in-house Quiz competition with all colleagues to celebrate knowledge and awareness, with prizes crafted from eco-friendly materials like bamboo husk, rice husk, and coffee waste, embodying our ethos of responsible sustainable solutions. And amidst it all, we find unity at our bamboo tree selfie point, where pledges for a greener future adorn its branches like leaves of hope. Today, BluPine Energy reaffirms its pledge to not only mitigate environmental harm but to actively restore and protect our precious Earth.”

As we celebrate World Environment Day 2024, it's incredible to see how the solar industry embodies the collective effort to preserve our planet. Solar energy holds the promise of a brighter future, paving the way for a cleaner and more prosperous world. By embracing solar power, we can combat climate change, encourage economic growth, and ensure the well-being of all. Choosing to harness the power of the sun is not only an environmental necessity but also a necessary step forward in securing a sustainable future for generations to come.