Introduction
Energy security refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy at affordable prices while ensuring environmental sustainability and resilience. As the world’s third-largest energy consumer and third-largest emitter of CO₂, India faces the challenge of meeting its growing energy demand while achieving its Net Zero target by 2070 and fulfilling its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Challenges in Achieving Energy Security
High Import Dependence: India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels exposes it to geopolitical conflicts and price volatility.
Example: India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil and around 50% of its natural gas, making it vulnerable to disruptions such as the Russia–Ukraine conflict and West Asian tensions.
Rising Energy Demand: Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and electrification continue to increase energy consumption.
Example: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India’s energy demand is projected to grow faster than that of any other major economy over the coming decades.
Intermittency of Renewable Energy: Solar and wind power depend on weather conditions, affecting grid reliability.
Example: Limited battery storage and grid flexibility constrain large-scale renewable energy integration.
Inadequate Energy Infrastructure: Transmission bottlenecks, distribution losses, and financially stressed DISCOMs reduce efficiency.
Example: India’s Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses remain around 15–16%, affecting reliable power supply.
Critical Mineral Dependence: Clean energy technologies require lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, much of which India imports.
Example: Supply chain concentration in a few countries poses strategic risks.
Roadmap for a Resilient Energy Future
Diversify the Energy Mix: Expand solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, biofuels, and green hydrogen to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Example: India has set a target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity capacity by 2030.
Strengthen Domestic Energy Production: Enhance exploration of conventional fuels while accelerating renewable energy manufacturing.
Example: The National Green Hydrogen Mission (₹19,744 crore) aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production.
Modernize Grid and Energy Storage: Invest in smart grids, battery energy storage systems (BESS), pumped hydro storage, and transmission corridors.
Example: The Green Energy Corridor Project facilitates evacuation of renewable power across states.
Improve Energy Efficiency: Promote efficient appliances, industries, buildings, and electric mobility to moderate demand growth.
Example: The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme and UJALA Programme have significantly reduced energy consumption.
Strengthen Strategic and Policy Framework: Build strategic petroleum reserves, secure critical mineral supply chains, and encourage private investment.
Example: The National Critical Mineral Mission (2025) and expansion of Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) enhance long-term energy resilience.
Conclusion
Energy security is fundamental to India’s economic growth, strategic autonomy, and sustainable development. A balanced strategy based on diversification, domestic innovation, resilient infrastructure, energy efficiency, and international cooperation will enable India to achieve the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.