Name: Yasmin Ameer
Country: India

Year: 2023
Volume: Volume-8, Issue-1 (January-June)
Page Number: 64-69

ABSTRACT
Renewable energy has become increasingly important in India's efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth while addressing climate change and energy security. Uttarakhand offers favourable conditions for renewable energy because of its Himalayan river systems, solar radiation in the plains, and biomass resources generated through agriculture and forestry. This paper explores how renewable energy development has influenced the state's economy, society, and environment using information drawn from government publications, institutional reports, and academic literature. Rather than viewing renewable energy only as a source of electricity, the paper considers its wider contribution to employment, rural development, environmental conservation, and regional growth. The review suggests that hydropower remains the backbone of renewable electricity generation in Uttarakhand, while solar and biomass technologies are expanding their role in improving energy access, particularly in rural areas. These initiatives have supported livelihoods, reduced dependence on conventional fuels, and encouraged environmentally responsible development. At the same time, challenges related to infrastructure, investment, ecological sensitivity, and technical capacity continue to affect future expansion. The paper argues that renewable energy can play a larger role in Uttarakhand's development if economic planning is accompanied by environmental protection and stronger community participation.

Keywords: Renewable energy, Uttarakhand, sustainable development, hydropower, solar energy, rural development.