Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) – Affordable and Clean Energy – is foundational to achieving other SDGs, as energy is integral to poverty reduction, health, education, and economic growth. Access to modern energy services is not merely about electricity; it encompasses reliable power, clean cooking solutions, and efficient energy use. India, with its ambitious climate commitments and rapid economic development, has made significant strides in expanding energy access. However, substantial challenges remain in ensuring affordability, sustainability, and universal access, particularly for vulnerable populations. The nation’s energy transition is crucial for its sustainable development trajectory.
Progress in Expanding Energy Access
India has witnessed remarkable progress in expanding energy access, particularly in rural electrification. The Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), launched in 2015, played a pivotal role in connecting over 18,000 un-electrified villages. As of March 2024, 100% of households have access to electricity, a significant achievement. However, access doesn’t equate to reliable supply.
Renewable Energy Capacity Addition
India is aggressively pursuing renewable energy sources. The installed renewable energy capacity has increased significantly, reaching over 178 GW (as of January 2024). Solar energy has seen the most substantial growth, with over 73 GW installed capacity. The government’s target is to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. Initiatives like the National Solar Mission (2010) and PM-KUSUM (2019) have incentivized solar power generation.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Recognizing the importance of demand-side management, India has implemented several energy efficiency programs. The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 (amended in 2022) has been instrumental in reducing energy intensity in energy-intensive industries. The Standards and Labelling Program promotes energy-efficient appliances. The adoption of LED bulbs under the UJALA scheme has resulted in significant energy savings.
Addressing Clean Cooking Fuel Access
Access to clean cooking fuels remains a challenge. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launched in 2016, has provided LPG connections to over 10 crore households, significantly reducing reliance on traditional biomass fuels. However, affordability and sustained usage remain concerns. The scheme has been extended with PM Ujjwala Yojana 2.0 to address refill affordability.
Challenges and Constraints
Despite the progress, several challenges hinder India’s journey towards sustainable energy access:
- Energy Poverty: A significant portion of the population still struggles to afford electricity, leading to under-consumption and reliance on inefficient energy sources.
- Grid Infrastructure: The existing grid infrastructure is often inadequate to handle the influx of renewable energy, leading to transmission losses and instability.
- Financing Gaps: Significant investment is required to upgrade infrastructure, develop new renewable energy projects, and promote energy efficiency.
- Intermittency of Renewables: The intermittent nature of solar and wind energy requires robust energy storage solutions and grid management systems.
- Distribution Losses: High AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses in the power distribution sector remain a major concern.
| Area | Progress | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Electrification | 100% household electrification | Reliability of supply, affordability for sustained usage |
| Renewable Energy | Over 178 GW installed capacity | Intermittency, grid integration, land acquisition |
| Energy Efficiency | PAT scheme, Standards & Labelling | Enforcement, awareness, technological adoption |
| Clean Cooking | Over 10 crore LPG connections (PMUY) | Affordability of refills, behavioral change |
Conclusion
India has demonstrated commendable progress in expanding energy access and promoting renewable energy. However, achieving truly sustainable and equitable energy access requires addressing the remaining challenges related to affordability, grid infrastructure, financing, and technological innovation. A holistic approach that integrates policy reforms, technological advancements, and community participation is crucial. Continued investment in energy storage, smart grids, and decentralized renewable energy solutions will be vital for India to meet its SDG 7 targets and contribute to a sustainable future.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.