The report “Meeting India’s Ever Growing Energy Demand – Implications for Domestic and Foreign Policy” by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s escalating energy requirements and the multifaceted strategies needed to address them.
India’s energy consumption has surged, with electricity demand projected to double by 2030, making it the fastest-growing among major economies. In 2021–22, the industrial sector accounted for over half of the total final energy consumption, followed by the residential and transport sectors.
The nation’s energy supply remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which constitutes approximately 67% of commercial energy consumption. As of February 2024, fossil fuels represented 56% of the installed electricity generation capacity, while non-fossil sources like hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear energy made up the remaining 44%.
Renewable energy has seen significant growth, with solar and wind energy capacities expanding rapidly. However, challenges persist in terms of storage solutions and the need for critical non-fuel energy minerals to support renewable infrastructure.
Policy responses have been multifaceted, encompassing domestic initiatives to boost renewable energy adoption and international collaborations such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Despite global pressures, India has maintained a cautious stance on phasing out coal, emphasizing the need for a balanced energy transition that considers economic and developmental imperatives.
The report underscores the importance of a diversified energy portfolio, strategic policy interventions, and international cooperation to ensure energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in the face of India’s ever-growing energy demand.
Key Words: Energy Demand, Fossil Fuels, Renewable Energy, Electricity Generation, Energy Policy, Solar Energy, Energy Transition, International Solar Alliance
Meeting India’s Ever Growing Energy Demand Implications for Domestic and Foreign Policy
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