- Energy plays a vital role in driving the economic growth of every nation.
- For emerging countries, the energy sector holds particular significance due to the escalating energy needs, which require substantial investments to meet.
- Energy resources encompass various types of fuels utilized in modern society, serving purposes such as heating, electricity generation, and other forms of energy conversion.
ENERGY RESOURCES IN INDIA
- Energy can be generated using various fuel sources, including coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium, and electricity.
- These resources are categorized into two main types: conventional and non-conventional.
- Conventional energy sources include firewood, cattle dung cake, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and electricity.
- On the other hand, non-conventional energy sources encompass solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, and atomic energy.
- In rural India, firewood and animal dung cake are among the most commonly used fuels.
- Coal, oil, and solid biomass collectively fulfill over 80% of India’s energy requirements.
- Coal remains a primary fuel for power generation and industrial processes.
- With the rise in vehicle ownership and road transportation, there has been a significant increase in oil consumption and imports.
- Although the use of biomass, particularly fuelwood, is declining in the energy mix, it still serves as a prevalent cooking fuel.
- Despite efforts to expand LPG coverage in rural areas, approximately 660 million Indians continue to rely on traditional cooking fuels and technologies, highlighting the ongoing need for transitions to cleaner and more contemporary alternatives.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
- Energy plays a vital role in driving economic progress, with sectors such as agriculture, industry, transportation, commerce, and households all relying on energy inputs to function effectively.
- Over the years, as India has pursued various economic growth plans since Independence, the demand for energy has grown substantially, resulting in a continuous increase in energy consumption nationwide. In response to this trend, it is imperative to formulate a comprehensive long-term energy development strategy.
- At the heart of sustainable energy development lie two key principles: energy conservation and the increased utilization of renewable energy sources.
- Recognizing the importance of energy conservation, the Energy Conservation (EC) Act was enacted in 2001 with the aim of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
- To facilitate the implementation of the Energy Conservation Act, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established as a statutory body at the federal level in 2002.
- Operating under the purview of the Ministry of Power, the BEE plays a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency initiatives across various sectors.
- Looking ahead, projections indicate that India’s energy consumption is expected to quadruple by 2030, reaching nearly 1500 million tonnes of oil equivalent.
- In response to this growing demand, the Energy Conservation Act of 2001 (ECA) lays down regulatory requirements aimed at promoting energy efficiency.
- These requirements include standards and labeling for equipment and appliances, energy conservation rules for commercial buildings, and energy consumption standards for energy-intensive sectors.
- Through such legislative measures and proactive initiatives, India aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce its environmental footprint, and foster sustainable economic growth.
FAQs about Energy Sources and Conservation
1. What are energy resources, and why are they essential for economic growth?
A: Energy resources refer to various fuels and sources utilized for heating, electricity generation, and other forms of energy conversion. They are crucial for economic growth as they power sectors such as agriculture, industry, transportation, commerce, and households, enabling them to function effectively.
2. What are the main types of energy resources available in India?
A: India utilizes a mix of conventional and non-conventional energy sources. Conventional sources include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and electricity, while non-conventional sources comprise solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, and atomic energy.
3. Which fuels are commonly used in rural India?
A: In rural areas, firewood and animal dung cake are among the most commonly used fuels for cooking and heating purposes.
4. What fuels contribute significantly to India’s energy requirements?
A: Coal, oil, and solid biomass collectively meet over 80% of India’s energy needs. Coal remains a primary fuel for power generation and industrial processes, while oil consumption has increased due to rising vehicle ownership and transportation needs.
5. Is there a transition towards cleaner cooking fuels in India’s rural areas?
A: Efforts have been made to expand the coverage of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) in rural areas. However, approximately 660 million Indians still rely on traditional cooking fuels such as biomass, highlighting the ongoing need for transitions to cleaner alternatives.
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