The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the annual publication “Energy Statistics India 2025”. This comprehensive report details India’s energy landscape, including reserves, capacity, production, consumption, and trade of various energy commodities. It serves as a critical resource for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders.
Overview of Energy Statistics Publication
The report includes key data on coal, petroleum, natural gas, and renewable energy. New features include a chapter on Energy Accounts based on the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework. This chapter offers vital information about asset accounts and supply and use tables for FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24.
Growth in Energy Supply and Consumption
During FY 2023-24, India witnessed notable growth in energy supply and consumption. The Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) increased by 7.8%, reaching 9,03,158 KToE (Kilo Tonnes of oil Equivalent). This growth reflects India’s resilience in overcoming pandemic challenges and its ambition to achieve a developed nation status by 2047.
Renewable Energy Potential
India’s potential for renewable energy generation stands at 21,09,655 Megawatt as of March 31, 2024. Wind power dominates this potential at 11,63,856 Megawatt, accounting for approximately 55%. Solar energy follows with 7,48,990 Megawatt, while large hydro contributes 1,33,410 Megawatt. Key states for renewable energy generation include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
Installed Capacity Growth
The installed capacity for renewable energy has surged from 81,593 Mega Watt in 2015 to 1,98,213 Mega Watt in 2024. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.36%. The gross generation of electricity from renewable sources has also increased , from 2,05,608 GWH in FY 2014-15 to 3,70,320 GWH in FY 2023-24, indicating a CAGR of 6.76%.
Per-Capita Energy Consumption
Per-capita energy consumption has seen a steady rise, increasing from 14,682 Mega Joule per person in FY 2014-15 to 18,410 Mega Joule in FY 2023-24. This growth reflects improvements in energy access and consumption efficiency.
Transmission and Distribution Losses
India has made strides in reducing transmission and distribution losses. These losses decreased from approximately 23% in FY 2014-15 to around 17% in FY 2023-24. This improvement enhances overall energy efficiency and reliability.
Sectoral Energy Consumption Trends
The industrial sector has experienced the most substantial growth in energy consumption, rising from 2,42,418 KToE in FY 2014-15 to 3,11,822 KToE in FY 2023-24. Other sectors, including commercial, residential, and agriculture, have also shown consistent growth.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of renewable energy in India’s energy security strategy.
- Critically examine the impact of energy consumption on India’s economic growth.
- Explain the role of technology in reducing transmission and distribution losses in energy supply.
- With suitable examples, discuss the regional disparities in renewable energy production in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of renewable energy in India’s energy security strategy.
- Renewable energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security.
- It contributes to sustainable development and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- India’s vast renewable potential (21,09,655 MW) supports energy diversification.
- Investment in renewables creates jobs and stimulates economic growth.
- Renewables can help stabilize energy prices and increase energy access in rural areas.
2. Critically examine the impact of energy consumption on India’s economic growth.
- Increased energy consumption correlates with industrial growth and productivity.
- Energy consumption supports infrastructure development and urbanization.
- Per-capita energy consumption growth (from 14,682 MJ to 18,410 MJ) reflects improved living standards.
- High energy consumption can strain resources, necessitating efficient management.
- Sectoral growth (e.g., industry) indicates energy’s role in economic expansion.
3. Explain the role of technology in reducing transmission and distribution losses in energy supply.
- Smart grid technology enhances monitoring and management of energy flow.
- Advanced metering infrastructure improves accuracy in billing and reduces theft.
- High-efficiency transformers and conductors minimize energy loss during transmission.
- Data analytics helps identify and address inefficiencies in the grid.
- Automation in distribution networks can quickly isolate faults and reduce downtime.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the regional disparities in renewable energy production in India.
- Rajasthan leads with 20.3% of renewable potential, primarily in solar and wind.
- Maharashtra (11.8%) has investments in wind energy projects.
- Gujarat (10.5%) is known for its solar parks and wind farms.
- Karnataka (9.8%) has a strong focus on solar energy generation.
- Disparities arise from resource availability, state policies, and infrastructure development.
