<<–2/”>a >h1>National Energy Policy
There are four key objectives of National energy policy: Access at affordable prices,Improved security and Independence, Greater Sustainability and Economic Growth.
Considering POVERTY and deprivation in India, access to energy for all at affordable prices is of utmost importance. We are yet to provide electricity to nearly 304 million people, and clean cooking fuel to nearly 500 million people, which still depend on Biomass/”>Biomass. The policy aims to ensure that electricity reaches every household by 2022 as promised in the Budget 2015-16 and proposes to provide clean cooking fuel to all within a reasonable time. While it is envisaged that financial support will be extended to ensure merit consumption to the vulnerable sections, competitive prices will drive affordability to meet the above aims.
Improved Energy Security, normally associated with reduced import dependence, is also an important goal of the policy. Today, India is heavily dependent on oil and gas imports while also importing coal. In so far as imports may be disrupted, they undermine energy security of the country. Energy security may be enhanced through both diversification of the sources of imports and increased domestic production and reduced requirement of energy. Given the availability of domestic reserves of oil, coal and gas and the prospects of their exploitation at competitive prices, there is a strong case for reduced dependence on imports. In due course, we may also consider building strategic reserves as insurance against imported supplies.
The goal of sustainability acquires added importance and urgency in view of the threat of catastrophic effects of Climate change as well as the detrimental effects of fossil fuel usage on local air quality. In India, sustainability is also closely linked with energy security. Our fossil fuel requirements, which comprise nearly 90% of our commercial primary energy supply, are increasingly being met by imports. This means that cutting fossil fuel consumption would promote the twin goals of sustainability and security. Hence the policy lays heavy emphasis on de-carbonisation through the twin interventions of Energy Efficiency and RENEWABLE ENERGY.
The energy policy must also support the goal of rapid economic growth. Efficient energy supplies promote growth in two ways. First, energy is the lifeblood of the economy. It is an important enabling factor of growth and its availability at competitive prices is critical to the competitiveness of energy-intensive sectors.
Second, being a vast sector in itself, its growth can directly influence the overall growth in the economy. energy security and sustainability are mutually reinforcing in our case since our energy imports are predominantly fossil fuel based. Reduction in imports and in emissions can both be achieved through an expansion of renewable energy consumption. On the other hand, as long as fossil fuels remain the cheapest Source Of Energy, the goal of energy accessibility at affordable prices would come in conflict with the goal of sustainability and possibly energy security as well. Until such time as the costs of generating, transmitting and distributing renewable energy drop sufficiently to allow its delivery to the customer at lower cost than energy from fossil fuel sources, a conflict is likely to exist among the above three objectives. Energy efficiency is, however, one goal that reinforces all the four objectives.
Energy security
Energy security can be defined as “the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price”.
Energy security has many dimensions: long-term energy security mainly deals with timely investments to supply energy in line with economic developments and sustainable environmental needs. Short-term energy security focuses on the ability of the energy system to react promptly to sudden changes within the supply-demand balance. Lack of energy security is thus linked to the negative economic and social impacts of either physical unavailability of energy, or prices that are not competitive or are overly volatile.
Energy security for india
Threats
In the 60s and 70s, developed nations like the US, UK, Germany, France and Japan were racing ahead by developing newer technologies and consumer products that were change lifestyles leading to a shift from conservative to indulgent energy consumption.
Everything seemed fine until leading oil producing nations, grouped under OPEC and led by the largest oil producer of the time, Saudi Arabia, abruptly decided in 1973-74, to increase the price of crude oil. This sudden increase in oil price triggered a global crisis, whose impact was felt across all nations but the brunt of it was taken by those nations that were highly dependent on oil to power their respective economies.
As a result of this sharp increase in the price of oil, India experienced a runaway Inflation that touched 28% in subsequent years, triggering an economic and political crisis. The same was true for several other oil-dependent nations. Another Energy Crisis was seen in subsequent years caused by political and economic isolation of Iran, another major oil producing nation. This too, led to a major crisis globally. India had been a major importer of oil from Iran and has had a tough time trying to maintain a balance between the international sanctions and preserving good relations with Iran.
Naturally, India was impacted on both critical phases. The problem for contemporary India is that our economy is on the verge of take-off and we desperately need energy to power the growth and unless India addresses this vital issue well ahead of time, we will be increasingly vulnerable to global events beyond our control, and that is certainly not reassuring for an emerging India, not by a long shot.
India’s Strategic and Economic Dilemma
India’s current mix of energy sources includes Coal (40%), Biomass (26%), Oil (22%), Natural Gas (8%), Hydro-power (2%), Nuclear (1%) and Renewable energy (1%). It is obvious that India will continue to depend on fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas for the next several decades, which means that a large quantum of our requirement would have to come from overseas sources. And that is where India’s strategic position becomes vulnerable.
Coal: A Polluting Fossil
The problem with India has been the fact that India’s need to import coal has been rising significantly. During 2013-14, India imported 171 million tonnes of coal, an increase of 17.9% over the previous year. It is estimated that by 2030, India will need to import close to 900 million tonnes of coal to meet its energy needs.
This alone, poses a significant challenge to India. On one hand, the nation needs coal to power its growing energy requirement, on the other hand, there is growing international pressure to reduce carbon emissions. Both contrary but imperative.
China faces a similar dilemma. Through the late 80s, it took a conscious decision to significantly increase thermal power generation. As a result, it invested heavily in setting up thermal power Plants that used coal as its raw material. The need for coal outgrew domestic production and soon China emerged as the world’s largest importer of coal.
Oil: An Expensive Option
Another fossil fuel that is giving sleepless nights to rapidly developing nations like China and India is crude oil. The need for oil too has been rising. While the current low levels of oil price is providing relief to oil-dependent economies, the same is not likely to sustain for long, as any international crisis can once again trigger an unpredictable price rise, causing economic chaos.
The crisis in countries like Libya, Iraq and now Russia, all major oil producers, is a good example of the associated risks of depending on international oil supply and India’s share of oil in its energy mix stands at 22%. That exposes India to risks on account of global events which are beyond its control.
Natural Gas
A Cheaper and Cleaner Option To mitigate its dependency on crude oil, India has been increasing Investment in exploration and production of natural gas from sources within the country. To further meet the demand-supply gap in energy, India has been sourcing natural gas from overseas and continues to look for more sources to tie-up regular supply. Natural gas is seen as less polluting when compared to coal and oil, and is also cheaper.
India is looking to import natural gas through pipelines from Iran and other Central Asian countries. The lines are expected to pass through countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. While the proposed pipelines are likely to prove economically favourable in the long term, the political and military risks associated with this is still to be sorted out by the government.
Shale Gas
An Emerging Alternate In the meantime, another possible source that can be a game changer for countries like India and China is the emergence of shale gas as a cheaper and easily available alternate to oil. The United States is currently the largest producer of shale gas, while India too is known to have significant shale gas reserves. The problem is that the long-term environmental impact is still being debated, as is the risk involved with fracking, a method of retrieving gas from the earth crust.
Renewal Energy
The Way Forward Renewable energy, which includes solar and wind, contribute 1% to our energy mix. Both are clean, sustainable and abundant sources of energy. The problem for both not becoming very popular has been the high cost of power. With technological improvements it has now reached levels where it is commercially viable to generate power. In times to come, the per capita cost of power is likely to come down further, making it even more viable and an environmentally favourable alternate to traditional fossil fuels.
Energy Security in India is the dream of the 21st century for the nation. And after implementing many policies will definitely move India an inch closer to achieve the dream. Huge financial investment especially in the Energy sector is the need of the hour. CDM activities are equally important to sustain the concept of energy security. The new era of renewable sources will play a vital role in the nation’s target to be energy secured.
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Energy security is the ability of a country to meet its energy needs without compromising its national security. It is a complex issue that encompasses a wide range of factors, including energy supply, energy demand, energy prices, and energy Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE.
India is a rapidly growing economy with a large and growing Population. As a result, India’s energy needs are increasing rapidly. In order to meet these needs, India is investing heavily in new energy sources, such as renewable energy and Nuclear Energy. However, India is also facing a number of challenges in the energy sector, including energy security, energy efficiency, and energy poverty.
Energy security is a major concern for India. India is a net importer of energy, and its dependence on imported energy is increasing. This makes India vulnerable to disruptions in the global energy market. In addition, India’s energy infrastructure is aging and in need of repair. This could lead to power outages and other disruptions.
Energy efficiency is another major concern for India. India’s energy intensity is high, meaning that it uses more energy per unit of GDP than most other countries. This is due to a number of factors, including India’s large population, its reliance on inefficient energy sources, and its poor energy infrastructure.
Energy poverty is also a major concern for India. Over 300 million Indians do not have access to electricity. This lack of access to energy has a number of negative consequences, including poor Health, low productivity, and Environmental Degradation.
The Indian government is taking a number of steps to address these challenges. The government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy and energy efficiency. The government is also investing in new energy infrastructure and improving the efficiency of existing infrastructure.
India’s energy policies are designed to promote energy security, energy efficiency, and energy access. The government’s energy policies are based on the following principles:
- Diversification of energy sources
- Promotion of renewable energy
- Improvement of energy efficiency
- Increased energy access
- Promotion of energy research and development
- Strengthening of energy institutions
India’s energy policies are having a positive impact on the country’s energy sector. India’s energy security has improved, energy efficiency has increased, and energy access has expanded. However, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed. India’s energy sector is still in its early stages of development, and there is a need for further investment in new energy sources, energy infrastructure, and energy research and development.
India’s energy policies are playing a key role in the country’s Economic Development. India’s energy sector is a major driver of economic growth, and the government’s energy policies are helping to ensure that the country has the energy it needs to sustain its economic growth.
India’s energy policies are also having a positive impact on the Environment. India’s energy sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the government’s energy policies are helping to reduce these emissions. India’s energy policies are also helping to improve air quality and reduce Water Pollution.
India’s energy policies are a work in progress, and there is still a need for further improvement. However, the government’s energy policies are having a positive impact on the country’s energy sector, economy, and environment.
What is energy security?
Energy security is the reliable availability of energy at an affordable price. It is a major concern for governments and businesses around the world, as energy is essential for economic growth and development.
What are the main challenges to energy security?
The main challenges to energy security are:
- Dependence on imported oil: Many countries, including India, are heavily dependent on imported oil. This makes them vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions.
- Climate Change: The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, is a major contributor to climate change. This is a long-term threat to energy security, as it could lead to more extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
- Political instability: Political instability in oil-producing countries can lead to supply disruptions and price shocks. This is a major concern for countries that are heavily dependent on imported oil.
What are the main policies for promoting energy security?
The main policies for promoting energy security are:
- Diversifying energy sources: This involves reducing dependence on imported oil by developing domestic sources of energy, such as renewable energy and nuclear power.
- Improving energy efficiency: This involves using energy more efficiently, which can reduce demand and make energy supplies more secure.
- Investing in energy infrastructure: This involves building new pipelines, refineries, and power plants to ensure that there is enough energy to meet demand.
- Promoting energy research and development: This involves investing in research and development to find new ways to produce and use energy more efficiently.
What are the benefits of energy security?
The benefits of energy security include:
- Economic growth: Energy security is essential for economic growth and development. Businesses need a reliable supply of energy to operate, and consumers need affordable energy to buy goods and Services.
- National security: Energy security is also important for national security. A country that is not energy secure is vulnerable to economic sanctions and military threats.
- Environmental protection: Energy security can also help to protect the environment. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, countries can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and help to fight climate change.
What are the challenges of achieving energy security?
The challenges of achieving energy security include:
- Cost: Investing in energy security can be expensive. Building new pipelines, refineries, and power plants can be a major financial undertaking.
- Technology: New technologies are needed to develop renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency. These technologies can be expensive and time-consuming to develop.
- Public acceptance: Some energy security policies, such as building new nuclear power plants, can be controversial. Public acceptance is essential for these policies to be successful.
What is the future of energy security?
The future of energy security is uncertain. The world is facing a number of challenges, such as climate change, political instability, and economic uncertainty. These challenges will make it difficult to achieve energy security in the future. However, there are a number of promising technologies that could help to improve energy security, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. With careful planning and investment, it is possible to achieve energy security in the future.
Which of the following is not a source of energy?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Nuclear
(D) WindWhich of the following is not a renewable energy source?
(A) Solar
(B) Wind
(C) Hydroelectric
(D) CoalWhich of the following is the largest source of energy in India?
(A) Coal
(B) Oil
(C) Natural gas
(D) NuclearWhich of the following is the largest consumer of energy in India?
(A) Industry
(B) Transportation
(C) Residential
(D) agricultureWhich of the following is the most important energy policy goal of the Indian government?
(A) To increase energy security
(B) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(C) To increase energy efficiency
(D) To promote renewable energyWhich of the following is the most important energy security challenge facing India?
(A) The increasing dependence on imported oil
(B) The growing demand for energy
(C) The vulnerability to supply disruptions
(D) The environmental impact of energy productionWhich of the following is the most important renewable energy source in India?
(A) Solar
(B) Wind
(C) Hydroelectric
(D) BiomassWhich of the following is the most important energy efficiency measure in India?
(A) Improving the efficiency of power plants
(B) Improving the efficiency of vehicles
(C) Improving the efficiency of buildings
(D) Improving the efficiency of appliancesWhich of the following is the most important energy policy initiative of the Indian government?
(A) The National Solar Mission
(B) The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation
(C) The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
(D) The Energy Efficiency ProgrammeWhich of the following is the most important energy policy goal of the Indian government for the future?
(A) To achieve energy security
(B) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(C) To increase energy efficiency
(D) To promote renewable energy