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Home/upsc: energy resources/Page 3

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Kumudini Lakhia
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Kumudini LakhiaEnthusiast
Asked: January 20, 2025In:
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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 ...

upsc: energy resources
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    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

    1. Emission Reduction: Coal-to-gas switching reduces emissions by 50% .
    2. Import Dependency: India relies on imports for over 50% of its natural gas deman.
    3. 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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Rajashree Shirke
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Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Asked: January 25, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the concept of lithium as a key mineral for the green energy transition. Mention India’s growing interest in its lithium reserves and the significance of lithium for India’s energy and economic future. 2. Body I. Challenges in ...

upsc: energy resources
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Challenges in Unlocking India's Lithium Potential Limited Domestic Reserves: India has discovered lithium deposits in J&K, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan, but the overall reserves are limited compared to global leaders like Chile or Australia. The major find in J&K amounts to around 5Read more

    Model Answer

    Challenges in Unlocking India’s Lithium Potential

    1. Limited Domestic Reserves: India has discovered lithium deposits in J&K, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan, but the overall reserves are limited compared to global leaders like Chile or Australia. The major find in J&K amounts to around 5.9 million tonnes, but this still needs further revisions to confirm exact reserves. This creates concerns about India’s reliance on imports to meet growing demand for lithium.Example: Despite the discovery in J&K, production levels will likely be lower than expected, and India will still need to import a significant portion of its lithium.
    2. Technological and Infrastructure Barriers: India lacks the necessary technology and infrastructure to efficiently extract lithium, especially from brine sources, which are the most common type of deposit. Building these capabilities requires both technological investment and skilled human resources.Example: India does not yet have the infrastructure to extract lithium from brine, unlike countries like Chile and Argentina that have developed specialized technologies.
    3. Environmental Challenges: Extracting lithium can be environmentally damaging, with issues such as water scarcity and soil contamination. Sustainable extraction methods are still developing.Example: In Chile’s Salar de Atacama, lithium extraction has led to severe water shortages, highlighting the potential environmental cost.
    4. Global Market Dynamics: The global lithium market is volatile, with prices fluctuating due to competition and market demand. India faces uncertainty in establishing a stable supply chain for lithium.Example: In 2023, lithium carbonate prices surged by 92%, reflecting the volatility of global lithium markets.
    5. High Initial Investments: Establishing the full lithium ecosystem—mining, processing, and battery manufacturing—requires substantial investments. The Indian government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for advanced batteries alone is a $2 billion initiative.Example: India’s PLI scheme represents a significant budget commitment to fostering the lithium industry.

    Significance for India’s Green Energy Transition

    1. Clean Energy Storage: Lithium-ion batteries are crucial for storing renewable energy, ensuring a reliable supply when solar or wind energy isn’t available. This addresses the intermittency issue inherent in renewable energy sources.
    2. Electric Vehicle Revolution: Lithium batteries are essential for electric vehicles (EVs), which are key to reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability goals.
    3. Strategic and Economic Growth: By becoming a global player in the lithium market, India can enhance its strategic position, ensuring energy security and supporting economic growth through the development of the lithium supply chain.
    4. Job Creation: The lithium sector can create numerous job opportunities, from mining to battery production, thus driving economic growth and contributing to sustainable development.
    5. Sustainable Development: India can lead by adopting environmentally responsible mining practices, contributing to the global shift toward clean energy and aligning with its climate goals.

    Conclusion

    India’s challenges in unlocking its lithium potential should be seen as an opportunity for innovation and strategic growth. By addressing these challenges through sustainable practices and investments, India can pave the way for a successful green energy transition, contributing significantly to both national and global sustainability goals.

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Maanas Deshmukh
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Maanas DeshmukhBegginer
Asked: September 14, 2024In:
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What effects do India’s varied energy resources have on the country’s economic expansion and energy security?

upsc: energy resources
  1. Moksh Patel
    Moksh Patel Begginer

    India's diverse energy resources significantly impact its energy security and economic growth in multiple ways. The country’s energy portfolio includes a mix of conventional fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and emerging technologies. Here’s a detailed analysis of how these resources shape IndRead more

    India’s diverse energy resources significantly impact its energy security and economic growth in multiple ways. The country’s energy portfolio includes a mix of conventional fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and emerging technologies. Here’s a detailed analysis of how these resources shape India’s energy landscape:

    1. Impact on Energy Security

    1. Diversification of Energy Sources
      • Fossil Fuels: India has substantial reserves of coal, which plays a major role in power generation. However, the country is heavily dependent on imported oil and natural gas. This reliance on imports makes India vulnerable to global energy market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.
      • Renewable Energy: The growth of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power enhances energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuels and diversifying the energy mix. India has set ambitious targets for expanding renewable energy capacity, which helps in mitigating risks associated with fossil fuel dependency.
    2. Strategic Reserves and Storage
      • Petroleum Reserves: India has established strategic petroleum reserves to buffer against disruptions in oil supplies. These reserves provide a safeguard against sudden supply shocks and support energy security.
      • Energy Storage Technologies: Advancements in energy storage, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, are crucial for managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.
    3. Infrastructure and Connectivity
      • Energy Infrastructure: Robust infrastructure, including pipelines, power grids, and port facilities, is essential for effective energy distribution and reducing vulnerabilities. Investments in infrastructure enhance connectivity and reliability across regions.
      • Grid Modernization: Upgrading the power grid with smart technologies and enhanced capacity helps in integrating diverse energy sources, improving efficiency, and reducing transmission losses.

    2. Influence on Economic Growth

    1. Industrial and Economic Development
      • Energy for Industry: Reliable and affordable energy is crucial for industrial growth and economic development. Energy-intensive industries such as manufacturing, mining, and chemicals rely on stable energy supplies to operate efficiently and competitively.
      • Cost of Energy: Fluctuations in energy prices can affect production costs and economic stability. Stable and predictable energy costs are important for maintaining industrial competitiveness and fostering economic growth.
    2. Investment and Innovation
      • Attracting Investment: A diverse and stable energy mix can attract both domestic and foreign investment. Investors seek reliable energy supplies and are drawn to regions with balanced and secure energy portfolios.
      • Technological Innovation: Investment in energy technologies and innovations drives economic growth by creating new opportunities and improving efficiency. Developments in renewable energy technologies and smart grid solutions exemplify how innovation contributes to economic advancement.
    3. Regional Development
      • Infrastructure Projects: Energy resource development drives infrastructure projects such as power plants, transmission lines, and renewable energy installations. These projects stimulate regional development and create economic opportunities.
      • Access to Energy: Expanding access to energy in rural and underserved areas supports economic development by enabling agricultural activities, small-scale industries, and improved quality of life.

    3. Challenges and Considerations

    1. Environmental and Social Impact
      • Environmental Concerns: Fossil fuel extraction and use contribute to environmental issues like air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is a significant challenge.
      • Social Impacts: Energy projects can affect local communities, including issues related to displacement, changes in livelihoods, and health impacts. Addressing these social concerns requires careful planning and stakeholder engagement.
    2. Transition to Renewable Energy
      • Integration Challenges: Integrating renewable energy into the grid presents technical challenges, such as managing the variability of solar and wind power and ensuring grid stability. Investments in smart grid technology and energy storage are essential to address these challenges.
      • Policy and Regulation: Effective policies and regulations are needed to support the transition to renewable energy and manage the impacts on existing industries. Clear and supportive policies can drive investment in clean energy and promote a balanced energy mix.

    4. Strategic Recommendations

    1. Diversified Energy Mix
      • Balanced Approach: Maintaining a diversified energy mix that includes both fossil fuels and renewables ensures energy security and supports economic growth. Diversification reduces dependence on any single energy source and enhances resilience.
    2. Infrastructure Development
      • Modernization: Investing in modern energy infrastructure, including renewable energy projects, energy storage, and grid upgrades, is critical for supporting economic growth and improving energy security.
    3. Sustainable Practices
      • Environmental Management: Adopting sustainable practices in energy production and consumption helps minimize environmental impacts and aligns with long-term economic and environmental goals.
    4. Policy and Innovation
      • Supportive Policies: Implementing policies that encourage investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and technological innovation can drive economic growth and enhance energy security.

    Conclusion

    India’s diverse energy resources play a crucial role in shaping its energy security and economic growth. While the country benefits from a mix of fossil fuels and renewables, balancing these resources and addressing associated challenges is essential for sustained development. By investing in infrastructure, supporting technological innovation, and implementing effective policies, India can enhance its energy security, drive economic growth, and work towards a sustainable energy future.

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Rishi Sharma
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Rishi SharmaBegginer
Asked: June 25, 2024In:
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For a variety of factors, India’s significant wind energy potential is still unrealized. Examine and recommend a course of action. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: energy resources
  1. Swati
    Swati Begginer

    India ranks third in the world in terms of energy consumption. India ranks fourth in the world in terms of wind power. At COP26, the country raised its target of 500 GW of energy from non-fossil fuels by 2030. It is the largest renewable energy expansion program in the world The major reasons for unRead more

    India ranks third in the world in terms of energy consumption. India ranks fourth in the world in terms of wind power. At COP26, the country raised its target of 500 GW of energy from non-fossil fuels by 2030. It is the largest renewable energy expansion program in the world

    The major reasons for underutilization of wind energy energy in India are:

    1. Complex land use
    Investing in wind energy without land acquisition regulations makes it difficult to acquire land. This has increased land costs for wind farms and increased the risk to local wildlife.

    2. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
    The pandemic and delayed supply chain issues are to blame for the delay in realizing all that can be done.

    3. Skills and manpower requirements
    Concerns are also being raised about the sector’s technical capacity and human resource requirements, particularly in the emerging offshore wind projects.

    4. Need for legal framework
    A comprehensive regulatory framework, incentives for producers, solutions to land access challenges, spending on skills development and emphasizing the domestic supply chain are all needed to comply solve these problems

    5. High capital requirements
    Offshore wind farms require higher capital than onshore wind farms due to deep sea installations, advanced technologies, high capacity, distance from shore and deep sea pipelines

    Despite the potential, the geographical spread of wind power in India is limited. One of the main reasons for this limitation is the lack of accepted infrastructure to support wind energy systems. For example, the infrastructure needed to transport wind energy from remote locations to a grid is often awkward or non-existent, which can drive up costs.

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Arjun Sharma
  • 3
Arjun SharmaBegginer
Asked: July 10, 2024In:
  • 3

Analyze India’s hydro energy potential and explain the reasons for its restricted geographic distribution.

upsc: energy resources
  1. Nishant Desai
    Nishant Desai Learner

    Hydro energy, also known as hydroelectric energy or hydropower, is a renewable energy source generated by the kinetic energy of flowing water. As of 2022, India boasted a hydroelectric capacity of 46,512 MW, constituting approximately 12% of the nation's total power generation capacity. This figureRead more

    Hydro energy, also known as hydroelectric energy or hydropower, is a renewable energy source generated by the kinetic energy of flowing water. As of 2022, India boasted a hydroelectric capacity of 46,512 MW, constituting approximately 12% of the nation’s total power generation capacity. This figure underscores the substantial potential for hydro energy in India.

    Hydro Energy Potential of India:

    • Estimated Potential: India possesses an estimated hydropower potential of 1,45,320 MW, excluding small hydro projects (SHPs), which contribute an additional 20 GW potential. At a 60% load factor, this potential can meet the demand of around 85,000 MW.
    • Regional Distribution: The primary regions with significant hydropower potential are in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. Arunachal Pradesh leads the way with the largest untapped potential of 47 GW, followed by Uttarakhand with 12 GW.
    • River Systems: The unexploited potential is concentrated along three major river systems: the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. These regions hold immense promise for hydropower development.
    • Pumped Storage Potential: India boasts more than 90 GW of pumped storage potential, with 63 identified sites officially recognized in national energy policies. These sites play a crucial role in providing valuable grid services and enhancing energy grid stability.

    Reasons for Limited Spatial Distribution of Hydro Energy in India:

    • Regional Variability: The distribution of water resources is uneven across different states and regions of India. The Himalayan region in the north and northeastern states receive heavy rainfall and are endowed with abundant water resources, making them suitable for hydroelectric projects. However, other regions, such as the arid western and some peninsular parts of India, have limited water resources, restricting the scope for hydro energy development.
    • Interstate Water Disputes: India’s federal structure has led to disputes over the sharing of river waters between states. Interstate water disputes can delay or even stall the implementation of hydro projects, reducing their spatial distribution. The Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu exemplifies this.
    • High Capital Costs: Hydroelectric projects require substantial upfront capital investments for dam construction, turbines, and transmission infrastructure. Access to financing and the ability to mobilize resources can be challenging, particularly for economically disadvantaged regions, limiting the spread of hydro energy development. For example, the Dibang hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh is estimated to cost Rs 31,876.39 crore at the May 2021 price level.
    • Technological Challenges: Some regions lack the necessary technical expertise and infrastructure to support hydro energy projects. The remote Himalayan regions, for instance, face logistical challenges in transporting equipment and materials to construction sites.
    • Social and Environmental Concerns: The construction of large dams and reservoirs for hydroelectric projects often raise social and environmental concerns, including habitat disruption, waterlogging, and the displacement of local communities, limiting the expansion of hydro energy initiatives.
      • For instance, construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam led to the rise of Narmada Bachao Andolan due to concerns about environmental degradation and displacement of local communities.

    Way Forward

    • Interstate Collaboration: Foster interstate cooperation through collaborative agreements and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, as exemplified by the successful Bhakra-Nangal Project involving Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, to accelerate the implementation of hydro projects and harness the potential of shared water resources.
    • Investment Incentivization: Launch proactive investment incentives, building on the power ministry’s proposed scheme with an initial allocation of ₹16,000 crore, to attract both public and private capital into hydropower ventures, ensuring financial support for the growth of hydroelectric projects. •
    • Hybrid Energy Systems: Create hybrid energy systems by integrating hydro energy with solar and wind, following Denmark’s pioneering example to boost reliability and reduce environmental impact.
    • Micro-Hydro Solutions: Implement decentralized micro-hydro projects that harness smaller water bodies and streams, as seen in Nepal’s successful rural initiatives. This empowers local communities by providing localized power generation, reducing infrastructure demands, and enhancing energy access and sustainability.
    • Eco-Friendly Technologies: Invest in eco-friendly hydro technologies, such as run-of-river systems and fish-friendly turbines, to address environmental concerns and enhance project sustainability. For example, Canada’s Natel turbine features thick blades that enable more than 99 percent of fish to pass through safely.
    • Community-Centric Approaches: Prioritize community involvement in project planning, offering incentives and benefits to local communities to gain their support and cooperation. The Reventazon project in Costa Rica, recognized as an international model of good practice in hydropower sustainability, exemplifies it.

    In conclusion, India possesses substantial hydro energy potential, but its spatial distribution is hindered by multiple factors. India’s ambitious goal of achieving 40 percent of its installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 emphasizes the significance of tapping into this potential. Through cooperative and determined endeavors, India can turn this aspiration into reality, fostering a cleaner and more diverse energy landscape, thereby securing a sustainable energy future for the nation.

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