Q. Analyse the energy crisis in India. How can non-conventional energy sources help resolve this crisis, and what measures can be taken to effectively utilize them?

Approach:
Introduction
• Highlight India’s high energy demand, oil import dependency (85%), and coal reliance (70%) to contextualize the urgency.
• Present the core issue and solution – Link urbanisation, infrastructure gaps, and environmental stress to the need for clean, decentralised, and renewable energy systems.
II. Body
A. Dimensions of India’s Energy Crisis
1. Supply-Demand Mismatch – Electricity demand > supply; infrastructure lag.
2. Coal Dominance – Over 70% reliance on coal; low efficiency, high pollution.
3. Import Dependence – 85% oil and 50% gas imported; impacts energy sovereignty.
4. Transmission Losses – AT&C losses weaken power sector efficiency.
5. Environmental Burden – Fossil fuel lifecycle causes air, land, and climate degradation.
B. Role of Non-Conventional Energy
1. Solar & Wind Potential – Over 1000 GW potential; abundant and clean.
2. Inclusive Access – Off-grid renewables bridge rural-urban divide.
3. Climate Alignment – Helps meet SDG 7 and net-zero targets.
4. Job Creation – 3x more jobs per MW than fossil-based energy.
5. Attracts FDI – Ranks among top global RE investment destinations.
C. Key Measures
1. Green Grid & Storage
2. Policy Boosts – PM-KUSUM, PLI
3. Fiscal Incentives
4. Local Manufacturing & R&D
5. PPP in hybrid and hydrogen parks
III. Conclusion
• Highlight India’s renewable achievements (175+ GW) and 2030 target (500 GW).
• Emphasize scaling green energy via smart grids, local models, and strong policy for energy security and sustainability.

Introduction:
India is the third-largest energy consumer, yet imports 85% of its oil and relies on coal for 70% of its electricity. Rapid urbanisation, rising demand, and outdated infrastructure have triggered a persistent energy crisis. Combined with global price shocks and environmental concerns, this crisis demands an urgent shift to clean, decentralized, and renewable energy systems for long-term resilience.

Body:
A. Dimensions of India's Energy Crisis
-Supply-Demand Mismatch: India’s power demand crossed 240 GW in 2023, while peak supply lagged behind due to inadequate infrastructure and fuel shortages.
-Coal Dependency: Over 70% of electricity is generated from coal, much of which is of low calorific value and high ash content, increasing emissions and inefficiency​
-Import Vulnerability: Nearly 85% of oil and 50% of natural gas are imported, exposing India to global price volatility.
-Transmission Losses: Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses in some states exceed 20%, weakening the sector’s viability.
-Environmental Externalities: Mining, transportation, and combustion of fossil fuels contribute to air pollution, land degradation, and GHG emissions, undermining climate targets.
B. Role of Non-Conventional Energy in Addressing the Crisis
-Abundant Resource Base: India has 300+ sunny days, vast wind corridors (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Gujarat), and a potential of 750 GW from solar and 300 GW from wind.
-Decentralized Access: Solar rooftops, biomass plants, and mini-grids improve access in rural and remote regions, bridging energy equity gaps.
-Climate Resilience: Reduces fossil fuel reliance, helping India meet SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) and Paris Agreement goals.
-Employment Generation: Solar and wind sectors create 3x more jobs per MW than coal-based power.
-Foreign Investment Magnet: India ranks among top 3 renewable energy investment destinations, attracting FDI and tech transfer.

C. Measures to Effectively Harness Non-Conventional Sources
-Grid Modernisation: Strengthening transmission (Green Energy Corridors), smart metering, and energy storage systems to handle renewables’ intermittency.
-Policy Support: Expansion of schemes like PM-KUSUM, PLI for Solar Modules, and Renewable Energy Standard Obligations.
-Financial Incentives: Interest subvention, tax holidays, viability gap funding to enhance investment attractiveness.
-Localization & R&D: Boosting indigenous manufacturing of PV cells, wind turbines, and battery technologies under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
-Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations in hybrid parks (solar-wind-storage), offshore wind, and green hydrogen for industrial decarbonisation.

Conclusion:
India’s energy crisis offers a chance to lead the global green transition. With 175+ GW renewable capacity and targets of 500 GW by 2030, India is positioned to emerge as a clean energy hub. Scaling solar, wind, hydrogen, and storage through smart grids, localised models, and policy support can ensure energy security, sustainability, and climate leadership in the 21st century.