India’s Decarbonized Energy Sectors

India is the world’s 3rd largest consumer of electricity and the world’s 3rd largest renewable energy producer with 38% (136 GW out of 373 GW) of total installed energy capacity in 2020 from renewable sources (wind, solar, bio, etc.). [1] The country is also the world’s 3rd largest energy consuming country, where the energy use has doubled since 2000, with 80% of demand still being met by coal, oil and solid biomass. [2]

India has seen extraordinary successes in its recent energy development. In recent years, India has brought electricity connections to hundreds of millions of its citizens; promoted the adoption of highly efficient LED lighting by most households; and prompted a massive expansion in renewable sources of energy, led by solar power. [3]

India has a wide range of possible energy futures before it. Covid-19 has slowed the transition somewhat and future policy-decisions will be key to achieve the pledged net zero target by 2070 for an expanding population and economy. [4]

References:

1. https://www.ey.com/en_sg/recai
2. https://www.iea.org/reports/india-energy-outlook-2021
3. https://www.iea.org/reports/india-energy-outlook-2021
4. https://thediplomat.com/2021/11/india-commits-to-net-zero-emissions-by-2070/