Meeting India's energy needs

What is the issue?

Amidst the growing need for electricity, India needs to strategise its electricity production, focusing more on low-carbon energy options.

What is the current scenario?

Consumption - In comparison with many global nations, India has a much lower per capita energy consumption.
International Energy Agency data reveals that the average global per capita electricity consumption is 3030 kWh (units).
In contrast India's figure stands at mere 805 units which is much lower than the OECD nations as well as many countries in the Asian region.
Generation - The cumulative average growth rate of electricity generation in India for the period 2006-07 to 2015-16 was close to 6%.
This translates to a total generation of about 1,410 BU(Billion Units) and per capita generation of 1,100 units which is realtively low.

How does the future look?

Despite the current low numbers on consumption, India's energy demand is expected to increase, given the following factors -

India’s population is likely to be about 1.6 billion by around 2050.
The percentage share of electricity in total energy consumption is increasing.
The Government's policy initiatives are sure to push the electricity demand furthermore. This include

Moreover the burgeoning sophisticated lifestyle of young and aspirational Indians are creating new demands for the use of power consuming gadgets and equipments.
Meeting all these translates to an ambitious target of generating about 8,600 Billion Units (BU) to provide 5,000 units per capita per annum to Indian citizens.
It implies that electricity generation projected for 2050 is six times the total generation at present.

What lies before the government?

Much more investment is needed to increase the use of low-carbon energy sources i.e. hydropower, variable renewable energy (VRE), and nuclear power.
This is because, a quarter of the projected requirement of 8,600 BU can best be met by total possible generation from hydropower and VRE.
Also, generation from solar and wind energy has to be increased to tap India's full potential on this.
The share of electricity generated by nuclear power must be ramped up to cater to the increasing needs.
Large investments must be made in research and development, and in electricity storage technologies to derive full benefit from VRE sources.
Besides these, energy consumption can be rationalised through energy conservation and by improving energy efficiency of industry and household gadgets.

Source: The Hindu