Energy Resources

• Due to the exponential growth of the population, the demand for energy is increasing at very high rate. Therefore, it is important to use these energy resources wisely and in a sustainable manner.
• The generation of nuclear power is being geared up to contribute significantly to the overall availability of energy.

Introduction

• India is one of the fastest-growing economies and therefore, the demand for energy is also growing continuously. India has exploited almost all sources of energy such as hydroelectricity, thermal energy, nuclear energy, and solar energy. wind energy, etc.
• Energy resources can be defined as materials or elements that can be used to produce energy. Energy resources are those from which energy is derived.

Classification of Energy Resources

• Energy resources, on the basis of traditional use, can be classified into conventional and non-conventional energy resources.

Conventional Resources

•  These resources are non-renewable and ecologically hazardous.
•  For a long time, these energy sources have been used extensively to meet energy demands.

Some conventional sources of energy are as follows

Coal

•  Coal is one of the most important primary fossil fuels. Coal is a sedimentary deposit composed predominantly of carbon that is readily combustible.
•  Coal is a natural resource that can be used as a source of energy and in the production of coke for metallurgical processes.
•  Coal is a major source of energy in the production of electrical power using steam generation.

Based on carbon content, coal can be categorized into different types:

• Anthracite: This high-quality coal boasts the highest calorific value, containing 80% to 95% carbon. It ignites slowly with a blue flame and is found in small quantities in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Bituminous: With a low moisture content and 60% to 80% carbon, bituminous coal has a high calorific value. Deposits are found in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Lignite: Characterized by 40% to 55% carbon content, lignite is often brown and has a high moisture content, producing smoke when burned. Deposits are located in Rajasthan, Lakhimpur (Assam), and Tamil Nadu.

Based on usage, coal is classified into coking and non-coking types.

• Regarding the origin, Gondwana Coal, approximately 250 million years old, constitutes 98% of India's total coal reserves and 99% of its production. It is moisture-free but high in phosphorus and sulfur, providing superior-quality coal for metallurgical purposes.
• The Damuda series, part of the Gondwana coal, dominates India's coal production, particularly in the valleys of rivers such as Damodar, Mahanadi, Son, Godavari, Wardha, Indravati, Narmada, Koel, Panch, Kanhan, and others. Major areas in Madhya Pradesh, including Singrauli, Sohagpur, and Umaria, contribute significantly to this coal series.
• Tertiary coal, aged 15 to 60 million years, has a low carbon content and is mainly found in extra-peninsular regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. Generally, coal has low carbon and high percentages of moisture and sulfur, with important tertiary coal areas in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Darjeeling in West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Kerala.
• Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of also bear Tertiary coal is found in Neyveli (Tamil Nadu famous for lignite) and Palana (Rajasthan). It is estimated that the largest reserve of lignite is in Mannargudi of Tamil Nadu.

Major Coal-Based Power Stations of NTPC

Major Gas Based Power Stations of NTPC

Coal can be categorized based on its usage into:

• Coking Coal: This type of coal forms coke when heated without air and is primarily used in the iron and steel industry for pig iron production.
• Non-Coking Coal: Utilized in thermal power plants for power generation, non-coking coal has a high sulfur content, making it unsuitable for use in the iron and steel industry.

Petroleum

• Petroleum, a versatile liquid fuel, has transformed transportation across land, air, and water. It originates organically and is found in sedimentary basins, shallow depressions, and seas. Petroleum and its products primarily serve as motive power.

There are three main oil regions contributing to mineral oil:

• Assam Region: This ancient and vital oil region includes areas like Digboi, Naharkatiya, and the Moran-Hugrijan field. Natural gas is also discovered in the Moran-Hugrijan area, with additional oil reserves in Arunachal Pradesh at Manabhum, Kharsang, Mamunbhanga, Manu, and Amarpur-Dambur areas in Tripura.
• Gujarat Region: Major oil regions in Gujarat include the Gulf of Khambhat and Ankleshwar. Extensions of oil regions reach Navgaon, Kosamba, Olpad, Dholka, Mehsana, Kalol, etc. The Aliabet oilfield, located about 45 km south of Bhavnagar in Gujarat, boasts rich petroleum reserves.
• The Mumbai High region, situated 176 km away from the Mumbai coast, holds paramount importance as an oil-rich area. Extraction of mineral oil has been ongoing since 1975 in this region. The basin located south of Mumbai High also boasts substantial oil reserves. Currently, mineral oil extraction extends offshore to the Krishna-Godavari river valley.

Oil Refineries

• India is home to a total of 23 refineries, with 18 in the public sector, 2 in joint ventures, and 3 in the private sector. These refineries play a crucial role in producing major products such as furnace oil, LPG, gasoline, and fuel oil. Furnace oil, utilized by some industries for power generation, is associated with sulfur emissions.

Biggest oil Refineries in India

A total of four projects have already been awarded, including:

• Sasan Power Limited, Sasan UMPP in Madhya Pradesh
• Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, Mundra UMPP in Gujarat
• Coastal Andhra Power Limited, Krishnapatnam UMPP in Andhra Pradesh
• Jharkhand Integrated Power Limited, Tilaiya UMPP in Jharkhand

Natural Gas

• Natural Gas, primarily composed of methane, stands out as the cleanest among fossil fuels. It serves as a feedstock in the production of fertilizers, plastics, and other vital organic chemicals. Additionally, natural gas is used for electricity generation, heating in industrial and commercial units, cooking in households, and as a transportation fuel.
• Major producers of natural gas include Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Oil India Limited (OIL), and Joint Ventures (JVs) such as Tapti, Panna-Mukta, and Ravva. About 70% of India's natural gas reserves are concentrated in the Bombay High basin and Gujarat.
•  Offshore reserves are found in the Krishna-Godavari basin (Andhra Pradesh coast) and Cauvery basin (Tamil Nadu coast), while onshore reserves exist in Gujarat and North-Eastern states (Assam and Tripura).
• The Krishna Godavari Basin, a peri-cratonic passive margin basin, stands as one of India's largest natural gas reserves. 
• The utilization of natural gas in Assam and Gujarat dates back to the 60s, experiencing significant growth in the late 70s with the development of the Bombay High Fields and again in the late 80s with the production commencement of the South basin field in the Western offshore.
• Presently, natural gas serves as the source for LPG production in the country, with extraction taking place at various locations including Duliajan in Assam, Vijaipur in Madhya Pradesh, Hazira and Vaghodia in Gujarat, Uran in Maharashtra, Pata in Uttar Pradesh, and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu.

CNG

• CNG, primarily composed of methane (CH₄), is a fuel gas that undergoes compression to a pressure range of 200 to 950 kg/cm². In its compressed form, CNG occupies less volume at atmospheric pressure—less than 1% of its original volume. It is an environmentally friendly alternative fuel for vehicles, offering operational cost advantages compared to vehicles running on other fuels.

Shale gas

• Shale gas, a form of unconventional natural gas rich in methane (CH₄), is extracted from oil shale rock fragments through pyrolysis, hydrogenation, or thermal dissolution. 
• Serving as a feedstock for the petrochemicals industry, shale gas is converted into plastics, fertilizers, and various other products. It is more cost-effective than traditional gas and emits 50% less CO₂, making it a preferable source for electricity generation.

Non-conventional or renewable resources

• Non-conventional or renewable resources, besides being environmentally friendly, are also non-polluting. India holds a non-conventional energy potential of 195,000 MW. 

Wind energy

• Wind energy, harnessed to generate electricity, is a key focus of the Wind Energy Programme. India boasts the fourth-largest installed wind power capacity globally, supported by domestic policy initiatives. 
• Wind survey projects are underway in 22 states, and the establishment of the Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-Wind) in Chennai and Wind Turbine Test Station in Kayattar (Tamil Nadu) further signifies India's commitment to wind energy.

The largest wind farms in India 

Solar energy

• Solar energy, converted into thermal or electrical energy, is abundant in India due to its location on the Tropic of Cancer. Receiving approximately 5000 trillion kWh per year, India's solar-rich areas include Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Ladakh. 
• Noteworthy solar initiatives include the installation of the world's largest solar steam cooking system in Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh) and the promotion of dish solar cookers and solar air heating systems for agricultural and industrial product drying.
• In 2011, the government entrusted Eonlar Fiero Corporation of India to facilitate the implementation of the National Solar Mission. The company's role expanded to cover the entire renewable energy sector, leading to its renaming as the Renewable Energy Corporation of India (RECT).
•  Karnataka ranked highest in total installed capacity of grid-interactive renewable power among all states.
• Bhadla Solar Park, as of 2022, holds the title of the world's largest solar park.
• Shakti Sthal, the world's second-largest solar park, is operational in Tumkur district, Karnataka.
•  On July 10, 2020, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the 750 MW solar project in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, breaking the grid parity barrier.
• India stands fourth in global solar PV deployment as of the end of 2021, with Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra following Karnataka in total installed capacity.
• In 2015, the government set a target of achieving 175 GW cumulative renewable power installed capacity by 2022.

Advantages of solar energy:

• Clean: No carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to global warming.
• Renewable: As long as the Sun exists, solar energy is available.
• Reliable: Energy can be stored in batteries, ensuring reliability.
•  Free Energy: Easily harnessable.

Disadvantages of solar energy:

•  Initial Cost: High upfront purchase cost.
• Weather Dependency: Most productive on sunny days.
• Storage Cost: Energy storage in large batteries is expensive.
•  Pollution: Transportation and installation of solar panels may emit greenhouse gases, and manufacturing involves toxic materials.

National Solar Mission:

• Launched on January 11, 2010, with the goal of achieving 100 GW of solar energy by 2022 to reduce environmental impact.

Bio-Energy or Biomass:

•  Derived from biomass conservation, it provides a clean and inexpensive energy source, addressing rural energy needs.
• Utilizes bio-degradable materials like animal dung, human waste, kitchen scraps, agricultural residues, and city waste.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been implementing biomass power/co-generation programs since the mid-nineties.

National Policy on Biofuels, 2017:

• The 2017 National Policy on Biofuels aims for a 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and a 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030. The policy also provides a detailed list of raw materials for ethanol production.

Ocean Energy:

• Ocean energy refers to renewable energy from the sea. 
• India has promising sites in the Gulf of Khambhat, the Gulf of Kutch, and the Hooghly Estuary, with an estimated potential of 54 GW, including 12.4 GW of tidal energy. Ocean energy output is higher during the monsoon along the West Coast. 
• The main challenge is the high construction cost and managing fluctuating energy output.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC):

• OTEC uses the temperature difference between warm surface waters and deeper cold waters for energy conversion. 
• India's OTEC potential is around 180,000 MW, primarily along the South Indian coast, offering a consistent temperature difference throughout the year.

Tidal Energy:

• Tidal energy comes from the rise and fall of tides, an inexhaustible and eco-friendly resource.
•  Though India's coastline is extensive, tidal energy potential is limited. 
• The Gulf of Khambhat, Gulf of Kutch, and Hooghly are potential areas. Tidal energy faces challenges due to high costs and limited construction sites.

Hydroelectric Energy:

• Hydroelectric energy harnesses water motion, like waterfalls, for electricity. It is cost-effective and clean but faces environmental and social issues. NHPC Limited, formed in 1975, plays a significant role in India's hydroelectric power development, tracing its roots back to the commissioning of electricity in Darjeeling in 1897.

Geothermal Energy:

• Geothermal energy comes from the Earth's interior heat. India's geothermal potential is around 10,600 MW, equivalent to 5130 million tonnes of coal. Prospective areas include the North-West Himalayan ranges, West Coast, Narmada-Son Valley, Damodar valley, and Tatapani Spring in Odisha.

Hydrogen Energy:

•  Hydrogen, as a fuel, shows great promise as an energy carrier and has the potential to address various challenges in the energy sector. The National Hydrogen Energy Board is responsible for overseeing research and development in this field.
• Collaborative efforts between the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and the Hydrogen Energy Centre at Banaras Hindu University are underway for research on carbon-neutral green energy and the implementation of a pilot project for hydrogen energy development.

Nuclear Energy:

• Nuclear energy is derived from the nucleus or core of an atom and can be used to generate electricity.
• In India, nuclear power ranks as the fourth-largest source of electricity, following thermal, hydroelectric, and renewable sources.
• In October 2010, India unveiled plans to achieve a nuclear power capacity of 63,000 MW by 2032.
•  The national goal is to have nuclear power contribute to 25% of the electricity supply by 2050.
• To overcome trade bans and the lack of indigenous uranium, India has been uniquely developing a nuclear fuel cycle to utilize its thorium reserves.

Nuclear Power Plants

The Project Under Construction

Energy Parks in India

•  The Renewable Energy Park Scheme was started in 1994-1995 under Special Area

Demonstration Programme.

• This scheme supports two types of energy parks
  • District Level Renewable Energy Park (DLREP)
  • State Level Renewable Energy Park (SLREP) 
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has sanctioned 30 State Level Energy Parks and 484 District Level Energy Parks in India
• Charanka Solar Park is the largest site in the Gujarat Solar Park being built on a 2000 hectare plot of land near Charanka village in Patan district of Northern Gujarat. It has also become the world's largest photovoltaic power station

India's Integrated Energy Policy

•  India's Planning Commission estimated that the country will need to increase its primary energy supply by 3 to 4 times and electricity generation capacity by 5 to 6 times (2003-2004 levels) if it is, to meet the energy needs of all its citizens by 2032 and maintain an 8% GDP  growth rate. 
• The report of the expert committee appointed by the Planning Commission to improve energy
  • Efficiency itself contains the following key recommendations
  • Coal will remain a primary energy source until 2031-2032.
  • Rationalise fuel prices through the Integrated Energy Policy.
  • Promote efficient fuel choices and facilitate substitution.
  • Improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy intensity.
  • Augment fossil fuel resources by increased exploration for coal, oil and natural gas.
  • Augment the role of hydro and nuclear power in India.
  •  Push for increased renewable energy in the energy mix.

Prelims Facts

•  Which crop is a biodiesel crop?

- Jatropha [UPPSC (Pre) 2018]

• The world's largest single rooftop solar power plant has been opened in which state

- Punjab (Nagaland PSC (Pre) 2016]

• Which energy sources is the best in keeping the

Solar cells (UPPSC (Pre) 2015)

• 750 MW Solar Power Plant is situated in which district of Madhya Pradesh?

-Rewa (MPPSC (Pre) 20211

• National Solar Mission aim to generate how much megawatt of power by 2021-227

100,000 MW IMPSC (Pre) 2021]

•  A 600 MW solar park was dedicated to the people of which place

- Patan, Gujarat (UPPSC (Pre) 2013]

• In the context of alternative sources of energy ethanol as a viable bio-fuel can be obtained from

Sugarcane [UPPSC (Pre) 2023]

•  Which region of India is the main area for producing 'Tidal Energy?

- Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay) [UPPSC (Pre) 2012

• Uran is a gas based project located in

- Maharashtra (UPPSC (Mains) 2010]

•  Which State of India has the higher opportunities for the development of wind power?

- Tamil Nadu and Gujarat (MPPSC (Pre) 2021)

• The biggest wind energy project in Asia with a capacity of 150 MW is located in

- Tamil Nadu (UPPSC (Pre) 1999]

•  The highest share in power generation in India is of

Thermal Power (UPPSC (Mains) 2006, 2011

• With the help of which country thermal power center at

Russia (UPPSC (Mains) 2006, 2011]

• The largest source of energy in India is

-Coal (UPPSC (Pre) 2008]

• The Thermal power plant of Bokaro is located in

-Jharkhand [IAS (Pre) 2003]

• Coal, Petroleum and Natural Gas are examples in

- Fossil Fuel [WBCS (Pre) 2015]

• In the context of sustainable generating electricity is

- Hydroelectricity [UPPSC (Pre) 2012]

• The Ravva offshore block, with great potential for oil is located in

-Krishna-Godavari Basin [UPPSC (Pre) 1991)

• Which rock system provides over 90% of the coal of India?

Gondwana System (UPPSC (Pre) 2017]

•  Growth of Chota Nagpur industrial region is linked with the discovery of

- Coal [IAS (Pre) 2021, 2022]

• In which state are Namchik Namphuk Coalfield locates

-Arunachal Pradesh [IAS (Pre) 2008, UPPSC (Pre) 2018]

• Most of the production of Natural gas in India come from?

- Bombay High [UPPSC (Pre) 2012]

Self Check

1. Solar energy is converted into electric energy through

UPPSC (Pre) 2022

(a) photovoltaic cells.

(b) leclanche cells

(c) voltaic cells

(d) dry cells

2. Which state has the highest potential for the development of solar energy?

JPSC (Pre) 2021

(a) Jharkhand

(b) Uttar Pradesh

(c) Rajasthan

(d) Madhya Pradesh

3. In the context of alternative sources of energy, ethanol as a viable biofuel can be obtained from UPPSC (Pre) 2009

(a) potato

(b) Rice

(c) sugarcane

(d) wheat

4. For which one of the following Satara is well known?

IAS (Pre) 2005

(a) Thermal Power Plant 

(b) Wind Energy Plant

(c) Hydroelectric Plant

(d) Nuclear Power Plant

5. Which among the following ranks first in wind power generation?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Maharashtra

(c) Karnataka

(d) Rajasthan

6. Which one of the following is the best source of generating electricity in India from the viewpoint of sustainable development?

UPPSC (Pre) 2012

(a) Coal

(b) Mineral oil and gas

(c) Hydroelectricity

(d) Atomic energy

7. The highest share in power generation in India is of

UPPSC (Mains) 2006, 2011

(a) Atomic power

(b) Hydropower

(c) Thermal power

(d) All of the above

8. With the help of which of the following countries, Thermal Power Centre at Obra was established?

(a) America

(b) Germany

(c) Japan

(d) Russia

9. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are examples of WBCS (Pre) 2015

(a) fossil fuels

(b) cryogenic fuels

(c) indigenous fuels

(d) radioactive fuels

10. Which metal can be used for producing electricity? BPSC (Pre) 2005

(a) Uranium

(b) Iron

(c) Copper

(d) Aluminium

Know Right Answer

1 (a)

2 (c)

3 (c)

4 (a)

5 (a)

6 (c)

7 (c)

8 (d)

9 (d)

10 (a)