Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy is widely acknowledged as the cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the context of India, considerable progress has been made in recent years towards addressing this crucial aspect of sustainable development. The country has undertaken ambitious initiatives to enhance energy accessibility and affordability, particularly through the promotion of renewable energy sources. The government’s flagship schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya), have played a pivotal role in electrifying remote and underserved areas, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable energy landscape. Furthermore, India has significantly increased its capacity for renewable energy generation, with a notable emphasis on solar and wind power. These efforts align with the global commitment to transition towards cleaner and greener energy solutions, contributing not only to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) but also fostering sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship. While challenges persist, India’s strides in the energy sector exemplify a commitment to achieving holistic and sustainable development goals.
Tag: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Intro, try to write about Sustainable Development Goals briefly or highlight the energy situation in India.
- In Body part,
- Firstly, discuss how SDG Goal 7 will help to achieve other Sustainable Development Goals.
- Secondly, discuss India’s progress in achieving SDG Goal 7.
- Conclude with India’s energy future targets.
Answer:
Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy (SDG-7) is one of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDG), adopted in 2015. It is the sine qua non to achieve SDGs as it is directly or indirectly linked to other sustainable goals such as industry, innovation and infrastructure, health and wellbeing, gender equality, sustainable cities and communities etc.
- Affordable means the energy, which is cheap or subsidized, that is, poor are also benefited in the same way.
- Reliable energy means developmental needs of the entire nation can rely upon it.
- Sustainable energy takes into the inter-generational equity aspect.
- Modern energy encompasses a huge spectrum of energy largely which has low negative externality on the environment and economy.
India is the 4th largest consumer of energy after the USA, China, and Russia, but it is not endowed with abundant energy resources. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) 2020, around 700 million people in India gained access to electricity between 2000 and 2018, reflecting strong and effective policy implementation.
India has a crucial role to play in shaping the SDGs and has done a commendable job in providing clean and efficient energy to the people. In this regard, India has taken various steps like:
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, aims to provide clean cooking fuel to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. As of March 2018, over 6 crore LPG connections have been distributed under the scheme, benefiting women and improving their access to clean cooking fuel.
- Example: The distribution of over 6 crore LPG connections across Uttar Pradesh, as of March 2018, highlights the success of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in the state.
- Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana and SAUBHAGYA Scheme: Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana and the SAUBHAGYA Scheme, the government is committed to supplying reliable and 24×7 power to all villages. By March 2018, more than 75% of rural households in India will have access to electricity connections under these schemes, significantly improving energy access in rural areas.
- Example: As of March 2018, Uttar Pradesh achieved 100% village electrification, providing electricity connections to all households in rural areas through the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana and the SAUBHAGYA Scheme.
- National Solar Mission: The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, launched in 2010, aims to promote solar energy and increase solar power capacity in the country. India has made remarkable progress in solar energy, surpassing its target of installing 20 GW of solar power capacity by 2022. By March 2018, India had achieved 34 GW of solar power capacity, contributing to expanded energy access.
- Wind Energy: India has also focused on harnessing wind energy as part of its renewable energy expansion efforts. As of March 2021, India has targeted an installed wind power capacity of over 40 GW, making it one of the top wind energy producers globally. This has contributed to increased energy access and reduced reliance on conventional energy sources.
- Example: Tamil Nadu has the highest installed wind power capacity in India, with approximately 10,540 MW as of March 2018, contributing to increased energy access in the state.
- Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) Initiatives: The Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) has been implementing various initiatives to enhance energy access in rural areas. REC has provided financial assistance for electrification projects, helping to electrify thousands of villages and improve energy access for rural communities across India.
- Example: In the village of Kukurmara in Assam’s Goalpara district, REC provided financial support for the electrification project. As a result, all households in the village now have 100% access to electricity.
- Mini-Grid Systems: India has been exploring the use of mini-grid systems, especially in remote and off-grid areas, to expand energy access.Mini-grid systems have played a significant role in providing electricity to remote villages and communities, helping bridge the energy access gap and improve the quality of life for the residents.
- Example:Maharashtra has witnessed substantial growth in rooftop solar installations, with approximately 2,430 MW of installed capacity as of March 2028, improving energy access in the state.
- Renewable energy: India’s share of renewable energy has been constantly increasing and now it is around three times as compared to 2007. On 30th November 2017 total installed capacity in India was around 330 GW out of which 18% was from renewable energy sources.
- Example: Gujarat has one of the highest installed solar power capacities in the country, with approximately 4,000 MW of solar power capacity as of March 2018, contributing to improved energy access.
- Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project: It aims to lay gas pipelines and connect western, northern, and south eastern gas markets with major gas sources. Its 2,655 km-long Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra pipeline network, covering the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
- Example: The city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Patna city of Bihar and approximately 40 districts and 2,600 villages are the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project.
- Ultra-Mega Power Projects: Establishing 4000 megawatt projects each using super critical technology which will help in achieving SDG relating to good health and wellbeing, reduced inequality, affordable and clean energy etc.
- Example: The Mundra UMPP in Gujarat with a capacity of 4,620 MW, largest coal-based power plants of an Ultra-Mega Power Project in India and world.
- UDAY- Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana: Under this scheme state governments are encouraged to take all debt of financially distressed state electricity distribution companies to make them supply affordable power to poor households.
- Example: As of March 2018, Rajasthan’s discoms had reduced their aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses to around 20%, significantly improving their financial health.
Challenges:
India faces several challenges in achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. These challenges can be categorized into various aspects:
1. Infrastructure and Connectivity:
- Geographical diversity: India’s vast geography presents challenges in extending energy infrastructure to remote and inaccessible areas, such as hilly regions and islands.
- Limited grid connectivity: Some regions lack proper grid connectivity, making it difficult to provide reliable and affordable energy access.
- Inadequate transmission and distribution infrastructure: Aging infrastructure, technical losses, and inadequate distribution networks pose challenges in ensuring reliable and uninterrupted energy supply.
Example: In the village of Dharchula in Uttarakhand, located near the India-Nepal border, the hilly terrain makes it challenging to extend the electricity grid, resulting in limited access to reliable energy.
2. Affordability and Financing:
- High upfront costs: Investments required for establishing energy infrastructure, especially renewable energy projects, can be high, limiting affordability for both the government and consumers.
- Financial constraints: Limited access to capital and affordability issues for low-income households hinder the expansion of energy access.
- Subsidy management: The burden of subsidies provided for energy access needs effective management to ensure equitable distribution and fiscal sustainability.
Example: In Bihar, a state with a significant rural population, affordability is a key challenge. Many households in rural areas may struggle to afford the upfront costs of renewable energy installations like solar home systems.
3. Policy and Regulatory Framework:
- Complex regulatory processes: Cumbersome bureaucratic procedures and delays in obtaining clearances can hinder the development of energy infrastructure projects.
- Lack of uniform policies: Inconsistencies and variations in policies and regulations across states can create barriers to the adoption of renewable energy and hinder market growth.
- Tariff structures: Inadequate tariff structures and pricing mechanisms can impact the financial viability of energy projects, affecting affordability and investment.
Example: In the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the mountainous terrain and scattered population pose challenges in extending energy policy and regulatory framework to remote areas.
4. Energy Transition and Technology:
- Dependence on fossil fuels: India’s reliance on coal for electricity generation poses challenges in transitioning to cleaner and sustainable energy sources.
- Integration of renewable energy: Intermittency and variability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind require robust grid integration and energy storage solutions.
- Technology deployment: Adoption of advanced technologies, such as smart grids and energy-efficient appliances, requires investments, awareness, and skilled manpower.
Example: The state of Chhattisgarh, known for its coal reserves and coal-based power generation, faces challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Balancing the energy transition while addressing the socio-economic impact on the coal-dependent communities is a significant challenge for the state government.
5. Social and Cultural Factors:
- Energy access awareness: Lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of clean and sustainable energy solutions can impact their adoption at the grassroots level.
- Socio-economic disparities: Income inequality and poverty can limit the affordability of energy access for marginalized communities, exacerbating the energy access gap.
- Behavioral patterns: Traditional practices, cultural norms, and resistance to change may affect the acceptance and adoption of modern energy technologies.
Example: The state of Maharashtra and New Delhi, home to the city of Mumbai,old delhi faces challenges in providing affordable and reliable energy access to urban slums. .
Conclusion:
- Hence, India has set ambitious energy targets for the future. With initiatives like the National Solar Mission, the government aims to achieve 450 GW of renewable energy capacity, increase energy efficiency, promote electric mobility, and ensure universal access to affordable and clean energy, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
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