📋 Group Discussion (GD) Analysis Guide

🌍 Topic: Can Renewable Energy Sources Like Wind and Solar Completely Replace Fossil Fuels?

🌐 Introduction

Opening Context: The transition to renewable energy is at the forefront of global climate change discussions, particularly with nations aiming for net-zero emissions by mid-century.

Topic Background: Fossil fuels, which have powered economies for centuries, are now facing challenges due to environmental concerns and resource depletion. Wind and solar energy, as renewable alternatives, promise sustainability and lower emissions. However, the feasibility of a complete transition remains debated due to technological, economic, and policy hurdles.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• Global Renewable Energy Capacity: 3,372 GW in 2023, with solar and wind contributing over 80%.
• Cost Decline: Solar costs have dropped by 85%, and wind by 55% since 2010 (IRENA, 2023).
• Carbon Emissions: Fossil fuels account for 75% of global CO₂ emissions (IEA, 2023).
• Battery Storage Growth: Predicted to reach 150 GWh annually by 2030, critical for managing intermittent energy supply.

👥 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• Governments: Frame policies, provide subsidies, and set renewable energy targets.
• Private Sector: Innovate in renewable technologies and build infrastructure.
• International Organizations: Facilitate global cooperation and financing.
• Communities: Adopt renewable practices and provide local support.

🌟 Achievements and Challenges

✔️ Achievements:

• Energy Cost Reduction: Solar and wind now outcompete coal in many regions.
• Policy Support: Countries like Germany and Denmark lead with over 40% of electricity from renewables.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in storage (e.g., Tesla’s Powerwall) enhance reliability.

⚠️ Challenges:

• Intermittency Issues: Solar and wind depend on weather, requiring backup systems.
• Storage Limitations: Current battery capacities are insufficient for large-scale adoption.
• Infrastructure Needs: Transitioning grids to handle renewables requires massive investment.

🌍 Global Comparisons:

• Germany: 46% renewable electricity but struggles with grid stability.
• China: Largest solar and wind producer, yet continues heavy coal reliance.

📚 Case Study:

India’s Solar Mission: Over 70 GW solar capacity achieved in 2023, though coal dependency remains high at 55% of energy use.

🗣️ Structured Arguments for Discussion

• Supporting Stance: “Renewable energy’s cost reduction and climate benefits make it the inevitable future of global power systems.”
• Opposing Stance: “Intermittency and infrastructure challenges make it impractical to completely phase out fossil fuels.”
• Balanced Perspective: “While renewables are vital for sustainability, a mixed energy strategy is necessary in the medium term.”

💡 Effective Discussion Approaches

🟢 Opening Approaches:

• Present stark contrasts: “Renewables are growing exponentially, yet fossil fuels still dominate 80% of energy use.”
• Reference case studies or statistics to engage participants.

🔄 Counter-Argument Handling:

• Highlight hybrid solutions (e.g., natural gas with renewables).
• Use data to challenge misconceptions (e.g., recent storage advances).

📈 Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Cost reduction, sustainability, low emissions.
• Weaknesses: Reliability, storage, and infrastructure gaps.
• Opportunities: Job creation, innovation, and global leadership.
• Threats: Political resistance, high initial investments, and resource competition.

📚 Connecting with B-School Applications

• Real-World Applications: Projects in sustainable finance or green supply chains; research on energy transitions and business models.
• Sample Interview Questions:
  • “Can hybrid models accelerate the renewable transition?”
  • “Evaluate the role of technology in overcoming renewable energy barriers.”
• Insights for B-School Students:
  • Understand the economics of energy transitions.
  • Explore strategies for sustainable business leadership.