India’s Energy Security Strategy – Path to Energy Independence by 2047

Context:
India is redesigning its energy strategy to achieve energy independence by 2047, driven by high import dependence (85% crude oil) and global geopolitical instability.

Key Highlights:

• Targets and Vision

• Increase Renewable Energy (RE) capacity:
  • 500 GW by 2030 (existing target)
  • Proposed 1500 GW long-term target
• Achieve full electrification of mobility:
  • 2W & 3W by 2030
  • Cars & trucks by 2035
• Expand nuclear energy to 100 GW by 2047 (via Small Modular Reactors).

• Strategic Measures

• Develop domestic capabilities in critical minerals (lithium, cobalt).
• Promote clean energy manufacturing hub.
• Strengthen green finance ecosystem:
  • Green bonds
  • Risk mitigation instruments

• Policy Tools

• Reform Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for battery ecosystem.
• Promote electric induction cooking for households.
• Enhance grid infrastructure as national priority.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Renewable Energy (RE):
  • Sources like solar, wind, hydro.
• PLI Scheme:
  • Incentivizes domestic manufacturing growth.
• Green Finance:
  • Investments in sustainable and climate-friendly projects.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
  • Compact nuclear reactors with lower cost and flexible deployment.
• Critical Minerals:
  • Essential for clean energy technologies (EVs, batteries).

Relevant Mains Points:

• Energy Security Challenges:
  • Heavy reliance on imported oil (85%).
  • Vulnerability to geopolitical shocks (West Asia).
• Economic Impact:
  • Energy imports cause:
    • Inflation
    • Fiscal pressure
    • Current account deficit
• Transition Strategy:
  • Diversify energy mix towards renewables, nuclear, and EVs.
  • Build domestic supply chains for clean tech.
• Infrastructure Needs:
  • Massive grid expansion and modernization.
  • Strengthening storage and battery ecosystem.
• Governance Challenges:
  • Need for inter-ministerial coordination.
  • Ensuring policy consistency and accountability.
• Global Positioning:
  • Opportunity to become global clean energy manufacturing hub.
  • Enhance export competitiveness in green technologies.

• Way Forward:

• Accelerate renewable capacity addition.
• Invest in grid, storage, and transmission infrastructure.
• Strengthen critical minerals supply chains via partnerships.
• Expand EV ecosystem and charging infrastructure.
• Improve policy coordination (whole-of-government approach).

UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 3: Energy Security, Economy, Environment
• GS Paper 2: International Relations (Energy Diplomacy)