Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly explain geothermal energy and its significance. E.g., Geothermal energy is a renewable, sustainable, and 24×7 energy source stored as heat beneath the Earth’s surface. It has a minimal carbon footprint and is unaffected by day-night ...
Model Answer Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define natural gas and its role in energy systems. Briefly state India's energy transition goals, including the aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and the plan to increase natural gas’s share in the energy mix from 6.6% to 15% by 2030. 2Read more
Model Answer
Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Define natural gas and its role in energy systems.
- Briefly state India’s energy transition goals, including the aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and the plan to increase natural gas’s share in the energy mix from 6.6% to 15% by 2030.
2. Body
I. Role of Natural Gas in Bridging India’s Energy Transition
- Short-term Energy Transition:
- Acts as a cleaner alternative to coal, with coal-to-gas switching reducing emissions by 50%.
- Supports emissions reduction during the ramp-up of renewable energy capacity.
- Fact: Natural gas currently constitutes 6.6% of India’s energy mix but is targeted to rise to 15% by 2030.
- Grid Stability and Backup for Renewables:
- Provides reliable energy during periods of intermittency in solar and wind power.
- Balances demand fluctuations to stabilize the grid.
- Industrial and Transportation Transition:
- Replaces coal in industrial processes, lowering emissions in sectors like manufacturing and refining.
- Supports the transition to hydrogen energy, as natural gas is a key input in hydrogen production.
II. Challenges in Natural Gas Adoption
- High Import Dependence:
- India imports over 50% of its natural gas as LNG, making it vulnerable to price volatility.
- Fact: Global infrastructure and price disparities hinder India’s ability to secure low-cost natural gas.
- High Infrastructure and Regulatory Costs:
- Significant upfront costs for LNG terminals, pipelines, and regasification plants.
- A steep and varied taxation regime across states.
- Emerging Alternatives:
- Biogas and compressed biogas (CBG) are cleaner, renewable alternatives gaining traction.
- Fact: CBG can replace compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles, reducing dependency on fossil-based fuels.
III. Opportunities and Strategies
- Invest in LNG infrastructure and reduce regulatory bottlenecks.
- Promote technology for biogas and hydrogen production alongside natural gas adoption.
- Leverage public-private partnerships to scale up natural gas access and usage.
3. Conclusion
- Reiterate that natural gas can act as a transitional bridge fuel, addressing energy reliability and emissions reduction in the short to medium term.
- Emphasize the need for complementary investments in renewables and sustainable energy alternatives for long-term energy security and climate goals.
Relevant Facts
- Emission Reduction: Coal-to-gas switching reduces emissions by 50% .
- Import Dependency: India relies on imports for over 50% of its natural gas deman.
- Hydrogen Production: Natural gas is a major input for hydrogen, which is critical for heavy transportation decarbonization .
This roadmap ensures a balanced and comprehensive answer structure while integrating relevant facts for analytical depth.
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Model Answer Puga Valley, Ladakh: Known as India's most promising geothermal field, it has high heat flow and geothermal springs. Tatapani, Chhattisgarh: Located in the Sarguja district, this site has been extensively studied for its geothermal potential. Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh: A well-known siRead more
Model Answer
Reasons for India’s Nascent Stage in Geothermal Energy Utilization
Steps Toward Development
India aims to harness 10 GW of geothermal energy by 2030 through international collaborations with nations like the US and New Zealand. With its reliability and low carbon footprint, geothermal energy can significantly enhance India’s energy mix as infrastructure and expertise improve.
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