Draft National Energy Policy

What is the issue?

Draft National Energy Policy prepared by NITI needs alterations.

What are the features of Draft National Energy policy?

• It aims to create independence in the energy sector and to provide 24x7 hours power to all.
• It Focus on energy independence through rationalisation of costs, subsidy & boost to renewable sector.
• It aim to produce 75 GW energy from the renewable sector till 2022.
• Emphasis on transition from the coal to clean energy for domestic use.
• Focus on the infrastructure development ie. The projects like TAPI to development the gas pipelines.

What are the issues with the DNEP?

• It encapsulates well the problems and the solutions, but lacks the implementation procedures.
• It does not define roles, responsibilities and accountability.
• It does not provide a timeline for delivery and there is no discussion on financing.
• There isno institutional platform for mediating vested interests and stakeholders engaged with different aspects of the energy sector.

How the issues can be addressed?

• Coal, oil and gas are the drivers of Indian economy and, Nation must do utmost to secure its supplies.

• Energy policy must focus on increasing the share of renewables (solar, wind, bio) in the energy basket and on greening fossil fuels (oil and coal).
• India should access clean technologies like carbon capture and sequestration, cellulosic biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells in a fast track.
• India must leverage technology and innovation to render renewables affordable and accessible.
• Niti Aayog should extend its mandate unilaterally and map each of its policy recommendations against existing institutions of governance.

Source: Financial Express