Development of trans itional energy in India: achievements, challenges and prospects

Abstract

Changing functions of the main energy sectors in India as an important element of the global energy transition are considered. Based on the analysis of statistical data of international agencies and specialized Indian sources for 1990‒2019, the article describes changing functions and ratio of India’s energy sectors in relation to technological innovation, their participation in the ecological and economic development of “mix-energy”, including the implementation of climate policy and national commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. Comparison of the official goals of transitional energy in India with the real development of energy sectors made it possible to identify the present-day problems and contradictions, including those associated with economic constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current stage and forecasts of the coal industry development are discussed. It is the base of industrialization in India, still being the leading sector of its energy sector, which require innovation, diversification of processing, and increasing environmental and economic efficiency. The growing importance of India as a world’s oil and gas importer and an oil refining hub is shown. The dominant task of accelerated gasification within the framework of transitional energy is emphasized. The article analyzes the advanced development of renewable energy sources (RES) with priority programs for the development of solar energy. Because of the limited areas for solar power plants, these are more often combined with water bodies and irrigation canals. The study discusses the expediency of a nexus approach to studying “water resources – energy – food – ecosystems” complex. The prospects for achieving India’s national commitments under the Paris Agreement are assessed, taking into account the complexity of phasing out coal and the accelerated transition to renewable sources, which can help to solve lots of socio-economic problems and improve the state of the environment. The India’s experience shows that the efficiency of transitional energy is closely related to the harmonization of the development of all “mix-energy” sectors.