Syllabus: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Overview
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- Human development shows a strong correlation with per capita energy consumption.
- A 1971 Scientific American study traced rising energy needs across human development stages.
- The digital economy represents the latest stage, demanding additional and reliable energy.
- HDI–Energy Linkage
- Human Development Index (HDI) reflects income, education, and health outcomes.
- HDI correlates closely with per capita Final Energy Consumption (FEC).
- Countries with HDI above 0.9 consume significantly higher per capita energy.
India’s Energy Requirement Projections
- To reach an HDI of 0.9, India needs about 24,000 TWh annually.
- Estimates account for improved energy efficiency and electrification.
- About 60% of this energy would be used as electricity.
- Remaining energy would support hydrogen production through electrolysers.
- Hydrogen is critical for decarbonising steel, fertiliser, and plastics sectors.
Current Generation and Growth Constraints
- India generated around 1,950 TWh of electricity in 2023–24.
- Recent electricity generation growth averaged 4.8% CAGR.
- At this pace, required generation could be achieved in four to five decades.
- India must simultaneously expand generation and decarbonise the energy mix.
Limits of Renewable Sources
- Electricity accounts for only 22% of current FEC and must rise substantially.
- India’s energy mix remains heavily fossil-fuel dependent.
- Hydro and wind potential is limited by geography and population density.
- Large-scale solar deployment faces land availability constraints.
- Solar and wind are intermittent, requiring expensive energy storage solutions.
Role of Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear power provides reliable baseload electricity, independent of seasons.
- It is essential for an affordable and decarbonised energy mix.
- India has indigenised most nuclear supply chains except uranium imports.
- Indigenous capability exists in PHWR design, construction, and operation.
- India operates 700 MW PHWRs, with several units operational and under construction.
Regulation and Safety Framework
- A nuclear regulatory body has functioned since the 1980s.
- BARC developed spent fuel reprocessing and nuclear waste management technologies.
- Nuclear energy is considered technically feasible, safe, and affordable.
SHANTI Bill and Future Vision
- India targets 100 GW nuclear capacity by mid-century.
- Parliament passed the SHANTI Bill, 2025, consolidating nuclear legislation.
- The Bill assigns safety and security responsibility to facility licensees.
- Ambitious targets and reforms are essential for India’s development transition.