India’s power sector reached milestones. The country met a record power demand of 250 gigawatts (GW). Energy shortages fell to just 0.1 per cent. This marks a remarkable improvement from 4.2 per cent in 2013-14. These advances highlight India’s commitment to reliable and sustainable energy.
Record Power Demand and Supply
India achieved an all-time maximum power demand of 250 GW during 2024-25. This demand was met due to substantial improvements in generation and transmission capacities. The reduction in energy shortages indicates a robust response to the increasing energy needs of the population.
Electrification and Rural Power Availability
Universal electrification has been a key focus. Villages and households across India have been electrified. The average electricity supply in rural areas has increased from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 21.9 hours in 2024. Urban areas now enjoy up to 23.4 hours of power supply. This reflects progress in electricity accessibility.
Increase in Per Capita Electricity Consumption
Per capita electricity consumption surged to 1,395 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2023-24. This represents a 45.8 per cent increase from 957 kWh in 2013-14. The rise in consumption indicates improved living standards and energy availability.
Growth in Installed Power Generation Capacity
India’s total installed power generation capacity increased by 83.8 per cent. It rose from 249 GW in March 2014 to 457 GW by November 2024. This growth includes contributions from renewable energy sources.
Renewable Energy Developments
Since April 2014, India added 129 GW of renewable energy capacity. This includes 91 GW from solar power and 27 GW from wind power. The government’s commitment to clean energy is evident through these investments.
New Coal-Based Thermal Capacity
To meet peak demand, the government awarded 19.2 GW of new coal-based thermal capacity. The total installed capacity of coal and lignite-based thermal plants is now 217.5 GW. Additional capacities are under construction and planning stages.
Infrastructure Projects
The central government approved the Heo Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. This project will add 186 MW of capacity. It is expected to be completed in 50 months at a cost of ₹1,939 crore.
Government Initiatives and Future Outlook
The government is focused on enhancing infrastructure and consumer empowerment. Initiatives aim to ensure affordable and clean energy for all. India is on track to become a global energy leader.
Questions for UPSC:
- Estimate the impact of universal electrification on rural development in India.
- Critically discuss the importance of renewable energy in achieving energy security in India.
- Examine the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in developing countries.
- Analyse the role of government policies in enhancing power generation capacity in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Estimate the impact of universal electrification on rural development in India.
- Universal electrification improves access to electricity, enhancing quality of life in rural areas.
- Increased electricity supply encourages economic activities, such as small businesses and agriculture.
- Access to information and technology improves with electrification, leading to better education and health services.
- Electrification reduces reliance on traditional fuels, improving health outcomes and reducing environmental impact.
- Enhanced infrastructure and connectivity are often developed alongside electrification, further boosting rural development.
2. Critically discuss the importance of renewable energy in achieving energy security in India.
- Renewable energy diversifies the energy mix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.
- It contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting environmental sustainability.
- Investment in renewables creates jobs and stimulates economic growth in related sectors.
- Renewable energy sources are abundant and can be harnessed locally, reducing energy import costs.
- Government initiatives and policies support the transition to renewables, ensuring a stable energy supply for the future.
3. Examine the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in developing countries.
- Energy consumption is often directly correlated with economic growth; higher consumption typically indicates industrialization.
- Access to energy facilitates infrastructure development, which is crucial for economic activities.
- Increased energy consumption enhances productivity in sectors such as manufacturing and services.
- However, unsustainable energy use can lead to environmental degradation, impacting long-term growth.
- Investments in energy efficiency and renewable sources can support sustainable economic growth in developing nations.
4. Analyse the role of government policies in enhancing power generation capacity in India.
- Government policies incentivize investments in both traditional and renewable energy sectors, boosting capacity.
- Regulatory frameworks facilitate the development of new energy projects, ensuring timely approvals and funding.
- Subsidies and financial support for renewable energy projects encourage private sector participation.
- Strategic planning and infrastructure investments enhance transmission and distribution networks, supporting capacity growth.
- Government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ promote local manufacturing of energy technologies, strengthening the sector.
