Renewable Energy And Biodiversity – Legal Framework

With the increasing reliance on renewable sources of energy, India is leaving no stone unturned to fulfil the targets set forth by it in COP26. This rapid transition to renewable energy is causing an irreversible impact on biodiversity which merits adequate attention from relevant quarters. This article seeks to map the effect of growth in renewable energy infrastructure on biodiversity and the legal framework in this regard.

The need for renewable energy in India

At the start of the era of Independent India, India was a power deficit country; With constant efforts in the right direction, it has become a power surplus country with a total installed electricity capacity of over four lakh MW ¹. India is the world's third-largest energy-consuming country, owing to rising incomes and improving living standards. Energy use has doubled since 2000, with 80% of demand still being met by coal, oil, and solid biomass. It is predicted that by 2040 India will see the most