The Union government in India has played a significant role in the regulation and development of the energy sector, including the management of traditional and renewable energy resources.

Regulation of the Energy Sector:

• The Union government, through various ministries and regulatory bodies, has established a comprehensive legal and policy framework to govern the energy sector in India.
• Key regulatory bodies include the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).
• These bodies are responsible for formulating policies, setting standards, issuing licenses, and overseeing the functioning of the energy sector.
• The Union government has also enacted laws like the Electricity Act, 2003, which has provided a unified regulatory framework for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

Management of Traditional Energy Resources:

• The Union government has played a central role in the exploration, extraction, and distribution of traditional energy resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
• State-owned enterprises, like Coal India Limited and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), have been the primary producers and suppliers of these resources.
• The Union government has also implemented policies and programs to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of traditional energy sources, such as promoting the use of clean coal technologies and encouraging the exploration of unconventional resources.

Promotion of Renewable Energy:

• The Union government has placed a strong emphasis on the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, as part of its broader commitment to sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been the nodal agency responsible for formulating and implementing policies and programs to promote renewable energy.
• The government has introduced various incentives, including tax benefits, subsidies, and favorable tariff structures, to encourage investment and deployment of renewable energy technologies.
• The Union government has also set ambitious targets for the expansion of renewable energy capacity in India, reflecting its commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable energy mix.

Coordination with States:

• The Union government’s role in the energy sector involves close coordination with state governments, as many aspects of energy management, such as electricity distribution and renewable energy development, fall under the purview of the states.
• The Union government has worked with state governments to align policies, implement joint programs, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
• Initiatives like the Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme have aimed to address the financial and operational challenges faced by state-owned electricity distribution companies.