There are three pathways for India to develop greater energy resilience
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Context
This article outlines three strategic pathways for India to enhance its energy resilience and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly in light of geopolitical vulnerabilities like potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed strategies focus on expanding non-fossil electricity, maximizing the use of domestic biomass and biogas, and diversifying natural gas sourcing and distribution.
UPSC Perspectives
Economic
The economic rationale for energy transition is rooted in reducing India's heavy dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas, which currently drains foreign exchange and exposes the economy to global price shocks. The article emphasizes import substitution by utilizing domestic resources like agricultural residue and animal manure to produce biomethane, potentially replacing current imports. This aligns with the government's push for a circular economy under initiatives like . Furthermore, expanding infrastructure can decentralize energy access for industries and transportation (like networks), fostering localized economic growth while reducing reliance on large, capital-intensive pipeline networks.
Environmental
India's transition away from fossil fuels is crucial for meeting its under the and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The article highlights the importance of utilizing agricultural and forest biomass, which currently contributes to severe air pollution through practices like stubble burning. By converting this waste into biofuels, biochar, or syngas via the Fischer-Tropsch process (a chemical reaction that converts a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons), India can mitigate pollution while generating clean energy. Additionally, the integration of and in energy storage is presented as a vital step to stabilize the grid as the share of intermittent renewable energy (solar and wind) increases toward the target of 500 GW by 2030.
Governance
The transition to a more resilient energy framework requires robust policy and financial mechanisms. The article points out the logistical challenges of aggregating low-value, bulky biomass. Overcoming these requires innovative business models and entrepreneurship, which should be incentivized through Payments for Environmental Services (PES)—a system where farmers or landowners are compensated for practices that provide ecological benefits—rather than traditional subsidies. The inclusion of biomass processing in Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms by the could ensure adequate credit flow. Finally, securing rare earth elements, essential for renewable technologies and EVs, requires strategic domestic extraction policies and international partnerships, a key focus area under the .