Navigating energy transition with energy security

Energy, with its strong positive E correlation to every conceivable aspect of development, such as economic growth, access to education, improved health, availability of water, nutrition, infrastructure, and even life expectancy, can, as the phrase goes, 'move mountains'.

- CHANDNI RAINA & RITIKA BANSAL

The vision to achieve Viksit Bharat@2047 and to do so in a manner consistent with the announcement to be Net Zero in GHG emissions by 2070 underscores the urgent need for India to transition to greener forms of energy or 'Energy Transition'.

This means shifting from traditional, polluting energy sources like coal to cleaner, renewable sources like solar and wind. At the same time, we must ensure safe, reliable, and improved access to energy at reasonable prices to facilitate economic growth and achievement of the developmental priorities of a country or 'Energy Security'.

A recent report by the Principle Scientific Adviser, Government of India and IIM Ahmedabad (https://tinyurl.com/4764d2na) estimates India's energy demand to double by 2040. IEA estimates show that India leads global energy demand growth in every World Energy Outlook (WEO) scenario.

The European Union consumes 34,888 kWh per person, while the UK and the US have per capita levels of 28,501 kWh and 77,028 kWh, respectively, while India consumes only 7,586 kWh per person. Indeed, India's energy consumption would need to appreciate significantly during the Amrit Kaal, a period of rapid economic growth, to power economic growth, meet the SDG commitments and achieve allround prosperity.

This growth must be in line with MISSION LIFE, a national initiative for sustainable development and energy efficiency.