Energy Resources - Classification and Energy Crisis, Policies

• Energy plays a pivotal role in the economic advancement of every nation. 
• For emerging countries, the energy sector holds particular significance due to the escalating demands, leading to substantial investments to meet the growing energy needs.
• Comprising a diverse range of fuels utilized in modern society, energy resources cater to various purposes, including heating, electricity generation, and other forms of energy conversion activities.
• Energy production involves various fuel sources, including coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium, and electricity. 

These resources are broadly categorized into two types: Conventional and Non-conventional.

Conventional Energy Resources:

• Examples: Firewood, cattle dung cake, coal, petroleum, natural gas, and electricity fall under conventional energy sources.
• Usage: Conventional sources are traditional and widely used for various purposes.

Non-conventional Energy Resources:

• Examples: Solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, and atomic energy are examples of non-conventional energy sources.
• Characteristics: Non-conventional sources are characterized by innovative and environmentally friendly technologies.
• In rural India, prevalent fuels include firewood and animal dung cake. Notably, three main fuels—coal, oil, and solid biomass—account for over 80% of India's energy consumption.

Coal:

• Significance: Coal has played a pivotal role in powering both electricity generation and industrial growth, maintaining its status as the primary fuel source.

Oil:

• Consumption: With the rise in car ownership and increased use of road transport, oil consumption and imports have witnessed significant growth.

Solid Biomass:

• Usage: Solid biomass, especially fuelwood, remains a significant component of the energy mix, primarily utilized for cooking purposes.
• Despite advancements in expanding LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) coverage in rural areas, a substantial portion of the population, around 660 million Indians, still relies on traditional fuels like firewood and dung cake for cooking. Achieving a complete transition to modern and clean cooking fuels or technology remains a challenge in certain regions.

CONVENTIONAL SOURCE OF ENERGY 

Conventional energy sources refer to those extensively employed throughout much of human history. They possess a non-renewable nature, signifying that once a specific conventional energy source is exhausted, it cannot be utilized anew.

COAL 

Coal stands out as the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India, playing a crucial role in meeting a substantial portion of the country's energy demands. 

• Its usage extends to electricity generation, powering industries, and catering to household energy needs. India heavily depends on coal to fulfill its commercial energy requirements.
• The formation of coal is a result of the prolonged compression of plant material over millions of years. 
• Consequently, coal manifests in various forms, determined by factors such as the degree of compression, depth, and duration of burial. 
• Peat, a precursor to coal, is formed through the decomposition of plants in marshy areas. Peat exhibits low carbon and moisture content, along with limited heating capability.
• India holds the position of the world's second-largest consumer of coal, constituting approximately 84.8 percent of the global consumption of 1,139,471,430 tonnes. 
• Despite its substantial domestic production, India imports 22% of the coal it consumes, highlighting the nation's significant reliance on both domestic and international sources to meet its coal requirements.

PETROLEUM

The predominant occurrence of petroleum in India is associated with anticlines and fault traps found in tertiary rock strata. 

• These petroleum reservoirs are typically situated in areas characterised by folding, anticlines, or domes, where the oil becomes trapped in the crest of the upfold.
• The oil-bearing layer is typically composed of porous limestone or sandstone, facilitating the flow of oil through it. 
• Non-porous layers interspersed within the geological formations prevent the oil from either rising or sinking within the reservoir.
• Petroleum discoveries in India are not limited to anticlines, as fault traps formed by a combination of porous and non-porous rocks can also harbor significant oil deposits. 
• In such formations, the gas, being lighter than oil, tends to accumulate above the oil layer.
• Key petroleum-producing regions in India include Mumbai High, Gujarat, and Assam. 
• India ranks as the world's third-largest oil consumer, accounting for approximately 4.6 percent of the global total of 97,103,871 barrels per day. 
• Notably, a significant portion of India's oil consumption, amounting to 96 percent, is met through imports, underlining the country's reliance on international sources to meet its petroleum needs.

NATURAL GAS

Natural gas is hailed as an environmentally beneficial fuel in the twenty-first century, primarily owing to its minimal carbon dioxide emissions. 

• The Krishna-Godavari basin is host to substantial deposits of natural gas, signifying its importance as a significant energy resource.
• The reserves in Mumbai High and related fields, bolstered by discoveries in the Gulf of Cambay along the west coast, contribute significantly to India's natural gas inventory. Furthermore, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands emerge as notable locations with substantial deposits of natural gas.
• In the fiscal year 2021, the fertilizer industry emerged as the largest consumer of natural gas in India, emphasizing its diverse applications in industrial processes.
•  As of 2017, India's annual consumption of natural gas reached 1,957,546 million cubic feet, highlighting its integral role in meeting the country's energy demands.

NON CONVENTIONAL SOURCE OF ENERGY

Renewable energy sources, also referred to as non-conventional energy, are perpetually replenished through natural processes. Notably, these sources do not contribute to environmental pollution.

SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy is harnessed through sunlight, utilizing photovoltaic cells based on the specific power requirements. 

• This energy is applied for various purposes such as cooking and water distillation. In several regions of India, significant efforts are underway to establish large-scale solar power plants, aiming to decrease the dependency of rural communities on traditional fuels like firewood and dung cakes. 
• This shift not only contributes to environmental conservation but also ensures a sustainable supply of manure for agriculture.
• Over the past five years, the capacity of solar power has grown remarkably, experiencing an increase of more than 11 times, rising from 2.6 GW in March 2014 to 30 GW in July 2019. The competitiveness of solar tariffs in India has reached a point of grid parity, marking a significant milestone in the country's renewable energy landscape.

WIND ENERGY

Wind energy, generated by tapping into the force of the wind, is primarily utilized for powering irrigation water pumps. 

• India stands as the second-largest country in the world in terms of wind power generation. The state of Tamil Nadu hosts the most extensive wind farm cluster, spanning from Nagercoil to Madurai. 
• Additionally, significant wind farms are strategically located in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep.
• Recent assessments indicate that India possesses a gross wind power potential of 302 GW at a height of 100 meters and 695.50 GW at 120 meters above ground level. 
• With this substantial capacity, the country currently holds the fourth position globally in terms of wind installed capacity. 
• In the fiscal year 2020-21, India generated approximately 60.149 billion units of wind energy.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy, a form of renewable energy, involves harnessing the heat and electricity generated by utilizing the Earth's internal heat. 

• This energy source originates from the fact that the Earth's temperature increases as one delves deeper into its interior. 
• In such scenarios, groundwater absorbs heat from the rocks, becoming heated in the process. As this heated water reaches the Earth's surface, it transforms into steam. This steam is then utilized to power turbines, generating electricity.
• India has initiated two pilot projects aimed at capturing geothermal energy. 
• One project is located in the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh, specifically in Manikaran. The other project is situated in Ladakh's Puga Valley. 
• India boasts a substantial geothermal energy potential, estimated to be around 10,000 MW. This significant potential can be harnessed for various applications, marking geothermal energy as a promising avenue for sustainable energy development in the country.

NUCLEAR ENERGY

Nuclear energy is generated through the alteration of atomic structures, a process known as nuclear fission. 

• This transformative process releases a substantial amount of energy in the form of heat, which is then harnessed to generate electricity. 
• Uranium and Thorium, abundant in Jharkhand and the Aravalli mountains of Rajasthan, serve as crucial elements in the production of atomic or nuclear power. 
• Kerala's Monazite sands are also notable for their high Thorium content.
• In India, nuclear power stands as the fifth-largest contributor to the nation's electricity supply. 
• The country holds the seventh position globally in terms of nuclear reactors, boasting over 23 reactors distributed across seven power stations nationwide. 
• This extensive infrastructure collectively produces 6780 MW of nuclear energy, highlighting India's significant presence and contribution in the field of nuclear power generation.

HYDEL POWER ENERGY

Hydropower, also known as hydroelectricity, involves the conversion of energy from flowing water into electricity. 

• This renewable energy source is distinguished by its ability to utilize water for electricity generation without consuming it, thus preserving this vital resource for other applications. Hydropower stands out as the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of electricity generation. 
• However, the construction of large dams, exemplified by projects like Tehri and Narmada, poses significant environmental and social challenges. 
• In contrast, small hydropower projects are often exempt from these issues.
• India boasts a total of 197 hydropower plants. 
• The advent of electricity in India dates back to the late nineteenth century, marked by milestones such as the electrification of Darjeeling in 1897 and the inauguration of a hydropower station at Shivasamudram, Karnataka, in 1902. 
• As of March 31, 2020, India's installed utility-scale hydroelectric capacity reached 46,000 MW, constituting 12.3 percent of the country's total utility power production capacity.

TIDAL SOURCE OF ENERGY

Tidal energy, generated by harnessing the power of the sea's tidal waves, remains untapped due to the absence of cost-effective technologies. 

• This form of energy capitalizes on the rhythmic movement of tides in the ocean to generate power. 
• Specifically, floodgate dams are constructed across inlets to capture the energy potential of tidal waves.
• In India, regions such as the Gulf of Khambhat, the Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat on the western coast, and the Gangetic delta in the Sunderban districts of West Bengal present ideal conditions for the utilization of tidal energy. 
• The nation's ocean energy potential is estimated to be approximately 54 gigawatts (GW), comprising tidal power (12.45 GW) and wave power (41.3 GW).
• India has ambitious targets for its overall energy capacity, aiming to achieve 175 GW of installed capacity by 2022 and an even more substantial goal of 450 GW by 2030. 
• As technology advances and becomes more economically viable, tidal energy holds the promise of contributing significantly to India's renewable energy portfolio.

ENERGY CRISIS IN INDIA

India is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, constituting almost 70% of its power supply. However, the nation is currently grappling with a severe shortage of coal, and several factors contribute to this energy crisis:

• Increased Power Consumption Post-Pandemic: Power consumption in states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka has surged from 14% to 21% after the pandemic, exerting pressure on the production and supply networks.
• Global Fuel Demand and Prices: The power crisis in China has elevated the global demand and prices of fuel, impacting India's imports of coal. The interconnected nature of the global energy market influences India's energy resources.
• Supply Chain Challenges: India relies significantly on coal imports, and the supply chain bottlenecks persist post-pandemic. These challenges hinder the smooth flow of coal, exacerbating the shortage.
• Discrepancy in Electricity Costs: There is a widening gap between the relatively low cost of electricity and the higher prices of imported coal. This economic misalignment further complicates the energy scenario.
• Local Supply Constraints: Despite possessing the world's fourth-largest coal reserves, local supplies have strained due to reduced investments in fossil fuels. Climate targets have prompted a decrease in fossil fuel investments, affecting domestic coal production.
• Lack of Coal Stockpiling: Power companies did not stockpile coal due to the high costs associated with storage. This lack of foresight has contributed to the vulnerability of the energy supply chain.
• To address this crisis, the government is taking urgent measures, collaborating with state-run organizations to enhance coal mining and production. Experts suggest that the winter season may bring a reduction in energy demand, potentially stabilizing the situation to some extent. The multifaceted nature of these challenges highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure a sustainable and resilient energy supply in India.
• India's energy policy is oriented towards enhancing domestic energy production, aiming to mitigate energy poverty. The key focus lies in the development of alternative and sustainable energy sources, with particular emphasis on nuclear, solar, and wind energy. As of the fiscal year 2021-22, India's net energy import dependency stood at 40.9%.

The overarching goals of India's energy policy include:

• Increased Local Energy Production: The policy underscores the importance of boosting indigenous energy production to reduce reliance on imports and enhance energy security.
• Mitigation of Energy Poverty: Addressing energy poverty is a central objective. The policy seeks to ensure access to affordable and reliable energy for all segments of the population, contributing to economic development and improved living standards.
• Diversification of Energy Sources: There is a strategic focus on diversifying the energy mix by promoting alternative sources such as nuclear, solar, and wind energy. This diversification is seen as crucial for sustainability and resilience in the face of global energy challenges.
• Promotion of Renewable Energy: The policy places a significant emphasis on harnessing renewable energy resources, including solar and wind power. This aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
• Reduction of Net Energy Import Dependency: The aim is to decrease the country's dependency on net energy imports, which contributes to both economic stability and national security.
• Technological Innovation: Encouraging research and development in emerging energy technologies, especially in the nuclear, solar, and wind sectors, is a key component of the policy. This emphasis on innovation is intended to drive efficiency improvements and cost reductions in the energy sector.

By aligning with these principles, India's energy policy seeks to create a more resilient, sustainable, and self-reliant energy ecosystem, contributing to the nation's overall economic and social development.

FAQs: India's Energy Landscape and Policy

1. Why is energy significant for India's economic development?

Ans. Energy plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth by fulfilling the escalating energy demands, particularly in emerging countries like India. It is a cornerstone for industrial development, infrastructure, and overall societal progress.

2. What are the primary categories of energy resources in India?

Ans. India's energy resources are broadly categorized into conventional and non-conventional sources. Conventional sources include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and electricity, while non-conventional sources comprise solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, and atomic energy.

3. What role does coal play in India's energy mix?

Ans. Coal is a crucial component, serving as the most readily available fossil fuel in India. It significantly contributes to electricity generation, industrial growth, and household energy needs, making India heavily reliant on it.

4. How does petroleum contribute to India's energy consumption?

Ans. Petroleum is a key energy source, particularly in regions characterized by folding, anticlines, or domes. India ranks as the world's third-largest oil consumer, with petroleum being used extensively in various sectors, including transportation.

5. Why is natural gas considered environmentally beneficial in the 21st century?

Ans. Natural gas is hailed for its minimal carbon dioxide emissions, making it an environmentally friendly fuel. In India, significant natural gas deposits are found in locations like the Krishna-Godavari basin, contributing to diverse industrial applications.

6. How has solar energy evolved in India in recent years?

Ans. Solar energy has experienced remarkable growth, with the capacity expanding over 11 times in the last five years. Large-scale solar power plants are being established to reduce rural dependency on traditional fuels, contributing to environmental conservation.

7. What is the status of wind energy in India?

Ans. India stands as the second-largest country globally in terms of wind power generation. Tamil Nadu hosts the largest wind farm cluster, and the country's gross wind power potential is estimated to be substantial, making a significant contribution to energy generation.

8. How is geothermal energy being explored in India?

Ans. Geothermal energy potential is being explored through pilot projects in locations like Himachal Pradesh's Parvati Valley and Ladakh's Puga Valley. India possesses significant geothermal power potential, estimated at around 10,000 MW.

9. What is India's current position in nuclear power generation?

Ans. Nuclear energy ranks as India's fifth-largest source of electricity. The country is home to over 23 reactors across seven power stations, producing 6780 MW of nuclear energy. Uranium, Thorium, and Monazite sands contribute to nuclear power generation.

10. How does hydropower contribute to India's energy production?

Ans. Hydropower, or hydroelectricity, is a renewable and cost-effective source of energy in India. The country has 197 hydropower plants, and the installed utility-scale hydroelectric capacity reached 46,000 MW as of March 31, 2020.

11. What is the potential of tidal energy in India?

Ans. Tidal energy remains untapped due to technological challenges, but regions like the Gulf of Khambhat and the Gangetic delta present ideal conditions. India's ocean energy potential, including tidal and wave power, is estimated to be around 54 GW.