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.
Important Questions from GS3
What do you mean by Digital Rupee? In this context, explain the working and progress of India's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the R.B.I.'s Financial Inclusion Index.
Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.
Explain the factors responsible for inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How e-commerce helps to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing? Explain.
Explain by giving two examples, how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops.
