Energy Policy of India

India is having a well drafted energy policy to ensure energy security and which can be divided into short term ( steps taken in 1-2 financial years ) , medium term ( steps taken in one FYP ) and long term (steps taken in more than 3 FYP  ) measures .

As for as Short Terms Measures are concern , It is related to already created efforts by significantly reducing technical losses at three levels that is generation (India has very low PLF value in world ) , transmission (more than 40% loss in transmission ) , and criminal wastage at end use ( because Energy Saved is Energy Produced ) . The PLF value ( PLF actual generation expressed in terms of percentage of installed capacity ) of state electricity plant must be increased by providing suitable maintenance , overhauling & repairing breakdowns at proper time . The PLF value of state owned thermal power plant is least in world . The PLF value of state owned thermal power plant is mostly not affected by technologically but due to Anthropogenic factors while NTPC has PLF value more than 85% in which two of them have more than 95% in 2012-13 . The state owned Power Plant must work like the NTPC to contribute in energy security of country . If we increase our PLF by 20% & replacing all electric bulb by CFL , then we can plug the ever increasing gap of demand & supply immediately . To initiate action to reduce energy intensity of different consuming sectors of economy and promote conservation and demand management through appropriate organizational and physical measures . To accelerate exploitation of domestic conventional energy sources that is coal , hydel , oil natural gasses etc.

As for Medium Term Measures is concern , if we will use the oil at present rate then all the oil will get exploited in 35 years and coal in 60-70 years . Indian will totally be dependent on import . Which will adversely affect the economy of country . To initiate steps toward progressive substitution of petroleum product by coal , lignite , natural gas and electricity to restrict the quantum of oil import by Renewable Energy Resources . To initiate action for accelerated development of all the Renewable Energy Resources  especially Wind , Tidal , Hydel , Solar , Geothermal where the country has proven potantiality . To initiate and promote programs for attaining self reliance and self sufficiency in the energy sector to ensure Energy Security of Nation .

Next , Long Term Measures , We want to energy security in the country based on renewable energy resources . To promote a energy supply system which is ensuring energy security in a holistic manner and is based on largely renewable source of energy . This is only possible by the integration of Technology because Indian has very vast potentiality of Renewable Energy but it need technology . GOI has to work in the field of R&D in energy sector .

Rajani Kant Indra

Faculty of Law, Lucknow University, Lucknow

(Feb. 17, 2013)