How do renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, compare to traditional fossil fuels in terms of environmental impact and long-term sustainability?
Model Answer Challenges to India's Energy Security Policy-related Issues India struggles to attract substantial international investment in domestic hydrocarbon exploration. Notably, initiatives like the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) and the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HERead more
Model Answer
Challenges to India’s Energy Security
- Policy-related Issues
India struggles to attract substantial international investment in domestic hydrocarbon exploration. Notably, initiatives like the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) and the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) have not generated the anticipated interest from global energy players. Delays due to regulatory and environmental clearances further hinder coal mining and domestic energy production . - Economic Challenges
Over 80% of India’s energy needs rely on coal, oil, and natural gas, of which the country has limited domestic reserves. This dependency drives up the import bill, increases fuel subsidies, and worsens the Current Account Deficit (CAD), exposing the economy to price volatility in the global market . - Accessibility Barriers
In rural areas, biomass constitutes around 85-90% of primary fuel for cooking, posing health risks due to indoor air pollution. The lack of skilled labor and developed infrastructure impedes progress in making energy accessible across all regions (source: provided content). - External Geopolitical Pressures
Global political tensions, such as those between the USA and Iran, complicate India’s energy imports. These geopolitical dynamics force India to adjust its import strategy, as seen with reduced oil imports from Iran .
Measures Implemented for Energy Security
- Efficiency Enhancement Initiatives
India launched the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, which conducts cost-benefit analyses on energy-efficient technologies across sectors. Additionally, BS VI vehicle fuel efficiency standards were introduced in 2020 to reduce emissions . - Strategic Petroleum Reserves
The establishment of strategic petroleum reserves under the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. aims to mitigate supply disruptions due to external crises, such as conflicts or natural disasters . - Policy and Scenario Planning
The India Energy Security Scenarios, 2047, launched by NITI Aayog, enables India to model future energy scenarios and prioritize renewable energy. India aims to source 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030. - Energy Diplomacy and Accessibility
The Indo-US Nuclear Deal enhances India’s nuclear energy capabilities. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana promote clean cooking fuel in rural areas, and the PM KUSUM scheme supports solar irrigation. Additionally, “Energy Atmanirbharta” by 2040 aims to boost energy self-sufficiency
Greenhouse gas emission is perceived as one of the major factors behind global warming, and consequently, climate change. The biggest challenge faced by mankind today is to limit its effects and to avoid a grim future with devastating ramifications on life on our planet. Fossil fuel, which plays a pRead more
Greenhouse gas emission is perceived as one of the major factors behind global warming, and consequently, climate change. The biggest challenge faced by mankind today is to limit its effects and to avoid a grim future with devastating ramifications on life on our planet.
Fossil fuel, which plays a pivotal role in modern-day industrial civilization, is the prime source of greenhouse gases. The implications of fossil fuel on the environment are massive. When burned, they release huge amounts of CO2 into the air. These non-renewable greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere, thereby leading to global warming.
According to global estimates, the fossil fuel reservoirs will be exhausted eventually in the coming centuries, necessitating the development of eco-friendly and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, ocean energy and biofuel. These energy sources are natural and self-replenishing and have a low-or zero-carbon footprint. As they are in much more abundance, compared to fossil fuels, harnessing the power of renewable energy sources will certainly prove to be the key to a more sustainable future. Apart from these, other less explored renewables like Hydrogen, Lithium are also being considered as viable options that can produce both green and renewable energy.
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