Explain the key challenges for India's energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability?
Energy security — assured availability of energy at affordable prices — underpins India's growth ambition and its Net-Zero-by-2070 commitment.
Key Challenges:
- High import dependence: over 85% crude oil, 50% natural gas, growing coal imports — vulnerable to geopolitical shocks (Russia-Ukraine, West Asia).
- Fossil-fuel lock-in: coal contributes ~55% of primary energy; sudden transition risks stranded assets and employment loss in Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh-Odisha belt.
- Grid integration of variable renewables (solar/wind) requires storage; battery costs and rare-earth dependence on China are constraints.
- Financial stress in DISCOMs (AT&C losses ~15%) throttles investment in transmission.
- Critical mineral vulnerability: lithium, cobalt, nickel imports for EVs and storage.
- Rising demand — projected to double by 2040 (IEA) — while per capita consumption remains one-third the global average.
- Climate commitments: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030; 50% electricity from renewables — tight timeline.
- Nuclear and hydro growth slow due to land, environmental and safety concerns.
Suggested Measures:
- Diversify supply: strategic petroleum reserves (Padur, Chandikhol expansion); source crude from Russia, Guyana, US, West Africa.
- Accelerate renewables: PM-KUSUM, Rooftop Solar (PM-Surya Ghar), offshore wind bids, green hydrogen (National Green Hydrogen Mission, ₹19,744 crore).
- Storage push: PLI on Advanced Chemistry Cell batteries; pumped-storage hydro projects.
- Critical minerals: KABIL abroad acquisitions, Argentina lithium deal (2024), domestic exploration.
- Grid modernisation: green energy corridors, smart metering.
- Just transition: reskilling coal-belt workers; carbon markets under CCTS.
- Efficiency: PAT scheme expansion, EV push under FAME-III.
- Nuclear scale-up: SMRs (Bharat Small Reactors), thorium via PFBR-Kalpakkam.
- Regional cooperation: One Sun One World One Grid; ISA leadership.
Energy security demands a balanced fossil–renewable–nuclear mix with sustainability at its core.
Answered By:
Sakshi Negi
Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.
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