Energy Sector Progression in India

Abstract

India’s economic and industrial expansion has not been commensurate with rapid population explosion after independence. With abysmally poor per capita consumption and limited indigenous sources for energy generation, India committed huge quantum of its financial and other resources for food, water, and energy security. Over a period of seven decades that witnessed numerous crests and troughs of energy insecurity especially from global forces coupled with national and international environmental concerns for power projects, India has been able to connect almost all rural and urban areas in its electricity network. All five-year plans and interregnums planned and executed by the Government of India gave priority to power sector in setting up hydro, thermal, and nuclear plants in a phased manner. Nonetheless, the imminent global warming threats have forced every nation to relinquish non-renewables and look for other options including solar, wind, and geothermal. This chapter is a synopsis of India’s journey in energy sector post-independence.