Bharat’s Solar Energy: An Analysis Using Porters Diamond Model with a Brief on Ancient Past for Environmentally Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Abstract

Objective of this paper is to analyze solar energy as environmentally sustainable area of competitive advantage for Bharat using diamond model with a brief on its ancient past. Bharat is time tested philosophy and culture. Ancient genesis of Bharat was scientifically strong, economically prosperous and socially enlighten with Sun being the centripetal force. Bharat’s solar energy industry is in developing stage.  Its ancient vedic school system explored “Pancha Bhuta” (five elements) as sun, space, water, air and earth giving knowledge to conduct life cordially in coexistence with these elements. Upon analyzing environmentally sustainable areas using diamond model it is found that Bharat is in advantageous position in area of solar energy. On solar energy front it is found Bharat has taken big leap with an objective of achieving 175 GW installation by 2025 of which 100 GW was achieved by 2020. Technological factor conditions PV and CSP of Bharat are highest in world and it stood second in 2017 on “Renewable Energy Attractiveness Index”. Geographical condition of four to seven kWh/m2 per day of solar energy is very favorable. Huge demand growth of 1118 Mtoe by 2025 to 1921 Mtoe by 2040 is driven by large solar energy corporations as front runners. Challenges to be addressed are grid connectivity, de-centralized production and consumption. To counter the perils of global warming, exploring solar energy as one of the environmentally sustainable areas is mandatory. Bharat can lead this race by creating competitive advantage derived from active support of government, innovation of low-cost solar technologies, present technologies and vedic history footing towards a sustainable future.