Current Energy Scenario in India
India is the third-largest energy
consumer globally, with coal, oil, and
natural gas meeting most of its energy
needs. However, this heavy reliance on
fossil fuels has environmental costs such
as air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions. To address this, India is
making strides toward a greener energy
future.
Drivers of India’s Energy Transition
• Climate Change Goals: As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, India has committed to
reducing the carbon intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 and achieving net zero
emissions by 2070.
• Energy Security: Reducing dependence on imported oil and coal by increasing
domestic renewable capacity.
• Economic Development: Cleaner energy fosters new jobs, industries, and innovation.
Health Hazards
• Air pollution from fossil fuel use is linked to asthma, lung disease, heart problems, and
early deaths .
• India faces some of the world's worst air quality levels in cities like Delhi, mainly due to
coal and vehicular emissions.
1. Environmental Degradation
• Air Pollution
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Water Pollution: Oil spills and mining waste pollute rivers and groundwater.
• Land Degradation: Coal mining, especially open-pit mining, destroys land and forests.
2. Economic Burden
• Import Dependence: India imports ~85% of its crude oil, costing
• Volatile Prices: Global oil and gas prices are unstable due to geopolitics
• Subsidy Pressure
3. Energy Insecurity
• Supply Disruptions: Conflicts, sanctions, or natural disasters in oil-producing countries
can halt supply .
• Resource Depletion: Fossil fuels are finite. Over-dependence risks energy shortages in
the future.
Government Efforts and Policies
National Solar Mission
• Launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
• Target: 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
• India is among the top five countries globally for installed solar capacity.
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Green Energy Corridors
• Infrastructure projects to facilitate the transmission of renewable power from
resource-rich regions to demand centers.
PM-KUSUM Scheme
• Promotes installation of solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants by
farmers.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME)
• Encourages the use of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce emissions from transport.
Hydrogen Mission
• India aims to become a global hub for green hydrogen production.
• Green hydrogen will help decarbonize industries like steel, cement, and fertilizers.
• Renewable Energy Targets
• 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
Energy Efficiency Measures
• Initiatives like Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and Unnat Jyoti by Affordable
LEDs for All (UJALA) promote energy efficiency.
Achievements So Far
• As of 2024, renewables (including hydro) account for over
40% of total installed power capacity.
• India is the world’s third-largest renewable energy
producer.
• Solar and wind energy have seen significant cost reductions,
making them competitive with coal.
Challenges in Energy Transition
• Intermittency of Renewables: Solar and wind are not always available—requires
storage solutions.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Grid modernization and battery storage are still developing.
• Land and Resource Constraints: Renewable projects need significant land and
water.
• Investment Needs: Requires over $200 billion in renewable investments by 2030.
• Policy Implementation: Coordination between central and state governments is
crucial.
• India’s energy future is expected to be multi-source, with a
mix of solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, green hydrogen, and
bioenergy.
• Innovations in energy storage, smart grids, and carbon
capture will play a key role.
• With strong policy support and public-private collaboration,
India is on track to become a global leader in clean energy.
