Causes of Energy Crisis in India

1. High Dependence on Fossil Fuels:

• Limited Reserves: India relies heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas, which are finite resources. The Coal India Limited (CIL) has faced challenges in meeting the rising demand due to limited reserves and slow production increases.
• Import Dependency: A significant portion of oil and gas is imported, making the country vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

2. Insufficient Infrastructure:

• Power Generation and Distribution: Inadequate infrastructure for power generation, transmission, and distribution leads to inefficiencies and losses. For instance, the frequent power outages in rural areas highlight the infrastructural deficiencies.

3. Inefficient Energy Use:

• Outdated Technology: Many industries and homes use outdated and inefficient technologies, leading to excessive energy consumption. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been working to address this issue, but progress is slow.

4. Environmental Concerns:

• Regulatory Constraints: Stringent environmental regulations limit the expansion of fossil fuel-based energy sources. For example, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce air pollution, impacting the expansion of coal-based power plants.

Conclusion: India’s energy crisis is driven by dependence on fossil fuels, insufficient infrastructure, inefficient energy use, and environmental constraints. Addressing these issues requires increased investment in renewable energy, upgrading infrastructure, and promoting energy efficiency.