Roadmap for Answer Writing
To answer the question effectively, follow this structured roadmap:
- Introduction
- Define energy security in the context of India (uninterrupted availability of energy at affordable prices).
- Briefly mention India’s significant energy demands as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and energy consumers.
- Introduce the challenges India faces in achieving energy security.
- Identify and Explain the Challenges
- Break down India’s energy security challenges under clear subheadings:
- Policy-related Issues
- Economic Challenges
- Accessibility Barriers
- External Geopolitical Factors
- Break down India’s energy security challenges under clear subheadings:
- Detail Each Challenge with Facts
- Use specific statistics and examples to illustrate each challenge, such as:
- India’s Hydrocarbon Deficit: India has 17% of the global population but only 0.8% of the world’s oil and gas reserves.
- High Dependency on Imports: India relies on imports for 80% of its oil, which impacts the economy and contributes to a growing Current Account Deficit (CAD).
- Rural Accessibility Issues: Biomass still accounts for 85-90% of rural cooking fuel, posing health risks.
- Geopolitical Impact: Tensions, such as between the USA and Iran, forced India to reduce oil imports from Iran.
- Use specific statistics and examples to illustrate each challenge, such as:
- Discuss Recent Measures Taken to Address These Challenges
- Structure this section to show India’s steps under categories like:
- Efficiency Enhancements
- Strategic Infrastructure Development
- Policy Initiatives and Energy Scenario Planning
- Energy Diplomacy and Accessibility Programs
- Structure this section to show India’s steps under categories like:
- Conclude with Future Goals and Vision
- Summarize India’s long-term goals, such as achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030 and Energy Atmanirbharta by 2040
Relevant Facts with Sources for the Answer
- India’s Hydrocarbon Deficit
- Fact: India, with 17% of the world’s population, has only 0.8% of the world’s known oil and gas reserves.
- Source: Provided content.
- Dependency on Imports
- Fact: Over 80% of India’s energy needs are met by coal, oil, and natural gas, with most supplies being imported, adding to the economic burden.
- High Current Account Deficit (CAD)
- Fact: India’s dependence on fuel imports and rising subsidies heighten the vulnerability of the economy and increase the CAD.
- Rural Biomass Dependency
- Fact: In rural areas, biomass accounts for approximately 85-90% of primary fuel consumption for cooking, with serious health implications.
- National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
- Fact: This mission analyzes cost-effective energy technologies, aiding sectors in reducing energy consumption and emissions.
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves
- Fact: India has built three petroleum reserves to counter potential supply shocks due to external factors like conflicts or natural disasters.
- Energy Accessibility Programs
- Fact: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana promotes clean cooking fuel in rural areas, while the PM KUSUM scheme distributes solar irrigation pumps for agriculture.
- Energy Atmanirbharta by 2040
- Fact: A recent national strategy aims for “strategic autonomy” in energy, enhancing self-reliance by 2040.
This roadmap and these facts will allow for a clear, concise, and well-supported answer.
Model Answer
Challenges to India’s Energy Security
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 .
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 .
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).
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
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 .
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 .
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.
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