The editorial “From energy scarcity to abundance” highlights India’s transition towards an era of energy surplus, driven by technological innovation. As the world’s third-largest energy consumer, India’s energy security is crucial for its economic stability, strategic autonomy, and developmental trajectory. Currently, India meets nearly 85% of its crude oil, over 50% of its natural gas, and around 25% of its coal requirements through imports, exposing the economy to global price volatility and geopolitical shocks.
India’s energy mix is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing focus on renewable energy. The country has achieved near-universal electricity access, with all villages and households now electrified. The per capita electricity consumption has increased, reflecting improved access and living standards. Renewable energy has become a significant contributor to India’s energy mix, with non-fossil fuel capacity exceeding 50% of total installed power capacity.
Key developments in India’s energy sector include the achievement of near-universal electricity access, acceleration in clean energy transition, substantial progress in energy storage, improved grid strength and system reliability, growth of decentralized and distributed energy systems, advancement towards biofuels and ethanol parity, nuclear renaissance and SMR adoption, and green hydrogen push.
Despite these advancements, India’s energy sector faces several challenges, including continued dependence on fossil fuels, renewable generation vs. capacity utilization gap, grid integration and infrastructure limitations, land acquisition and right-of-way conflicts, financial stress in electricity distribution companies, underdeveloped natural gas market, environmental and climate pressures, and supply chain vulnerability and critical mineral risks.
To strengthen its energy security, India can adopt several measures, including diversifying the energy mix, strengthening grid infrastructure and energy storage, enhancing domestic energy production and strategic reserves, improving energy efficiency and demand-side management, electrification of transport and promotion of alternative fuels, strengthening distribution sector and market reforms, building domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance, and integrating energy security with climate and strategic goals.
In conclusion, India’s energy transition is advancing rapidly, with a focus on achieving universal electrification, expanding non-fossil power capacity, and promoting efficiency and clean technologies. The coming decade will be crucial in determining how effectively India converts this momentum into long-term energy security, affordability, and sustainability. The country’s energy security has evolved from ensuring access to building resilience and sustainability, and it is essential to examine this statement in the context of India’s changing energy mix and clean energy transition.
Some key facts to note:
– India is shifting from fossil-fuel dependence to renewable-led, secure, and sustainable energy.
– SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy is the most directly linked to India’s energy sector reforms.
– Renewables are important for India’s energy security as they reduce import dependence and price volatility.
– India has achieved universal electrification, with all households now having electricity access.
– India’s key clean energy target for 2030 is achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity.
Overall, India’s energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, and the country is making progress in achieving its energy security and sustainability goals. However, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a secure, sustainable, and affordable energy future for the country.