Energy Resources of India

Introduction

Energy is the backbone of all production activities and is essential for the sustenance and progress of any society or nation. It plays a vital role in agriculture, industry, transport, and other economic sectors, making it the lifeline for economic development and household activities like lighting, cooking, and heating. This article explores the different energy resources in India, their significance, and how they are utilized in various sectors.

What is Energy?

• Energy refers to the capacity to do work and is required for various life processes.
• It is essential for generating power used in agriculture, industry, transport, and other sectors.
• It is the most fundamental requirement for the functioning and development of society and nations.

Energy Resource

• An energy resource is something that can produce heat, power life, move objects, or produce electricity.

Fuel

• Fuel is matter that stores energy.

Major Sources of Energy in India

India’s energy sources can be broadly classified into two categories:

1. Conventional Sources or Non-Renewable Energy Resources

• These are energy resources that have a limited stock on Earth and take much longer to replenish.
• Indiscriminate use of these resources can lead to exhaustion, and they are not eco-friendly, causing environmental harm.

Examples of Conventional Energy Sources

1. Fossil Fuels (Coal, Natural Gas, Petroleum)
   • Coal: The most abundant fossil fuel in India, formed from organic residue millions of years ago.
   • Petroleum: The second-largest energy source in India after coal, extracted from sedimentary rocks.
   • Natural Gas: A fossil fuel consisting primarily of methane, used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.
2. Nuclear Minerals: Used for generating nuclear energy but can have hazardous environmental impacts.

Characteristics of Conventional Sources

• They are non-renewable and take millions of years to replenish.
• Not evenly distributed and harmful to the ecosystem.

2. Non-Conventional Sources of Energy or Renewable Energy Sources

• These energy sources are not exhaustible and can be renewed easily.
• They are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cheaper after the initial cost.

Examples of Renewable Energy Sources

1. Solar Energy: Harnessing the sun’s heat and light using technologies like solar panels.
2. Wind Energy: Using windmills or wind turbines to generate electricity.
3. Tidal and Wave Energy: Harnessing the energy of ocean tides and waves.
4. Biogas: Produced from organic waste decomposition.
5. Hydel Power: Generating electricity through the flow of water.

Energy Resources of India

Key Facts

• India is the 4th largest consumer of energy after the USA, China, and Russia.
• The country is not endowed with abundant energy resources and must utilize all available domestic resources like coal, uranium, oil, hydro, etc., to meet its development needs.

Major Energy Sources in India

1. Coal Energy Resources

• Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in India and is primarily used for generating electricity.
• The Gondwana coalfields (400-250 million years old) are the most significant coal reserves, found mainly in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• Tertiary coals (15-60 million years old) are found in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
• Uses: Coal is used for generating electricity (62% of electricity in India is coal-based as of 2016), domestic use, and in the steel industry.

2. Petroleum and Natural Gas

• Petroleum is found in sedimentary rocks of the tertiary period and extracted through drilling.
• Major oil fields in India include Digboi (Assam), Mumbai High, Krishna and Godavari Delta, and Gujarat (Ankleshwar).
• Natural Gas: Found in association with petroleum, it is a non-renewable hydrocarbon used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.
• Major gas fields are located in Bombay High, Bassein oil fields, Eastern Coast, Tripura, and Jaisalmer (Rajasthan).

3. Nuclear Energy

• Nuclear energy is obtained by splitting (fission) or combining (fusion) the nucleus of atoms.
• Major nuclear power plants in India include Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Tarapur (Maharashtra), Kakrapar (Gujarat), Rawat Bhata (Rajasthan), and Narora (Uttar Pradesh).
• Fuel: Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 are commonly used fuels in nuclear reactors.

4. Solar Energy

• Solar energy is harnessed using photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity.
• India is the 5th largest producer of solar energy globally, with a total installed capacity of about 28 GW.
• Advantages: Solar energy is renewable, has low running costs, and is environmentally friendly.

5. Wind Energy

• Wind energy is generated using wind turbines and is a renewable, pollution-free energy source.
• India ranks 4th globally in wind energy generation, with major wind farms in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
• Advantages: Safe, clean, and low-cost production after setup.

6. Tidal and Wave Energy

• Tidal energy is generated from the natural rise and fall of ocean tides.
• India has potential tidal energy locations in the Gulf of Kachchh and the Sunderban delta region.

7. Geothermal Energy

• Heat energy from the Earth’s interior is harnessed in regions like Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh) and Puga Valley (Ladakh).
• This energy source is renewable and sustainable.

Conclusion

Energy is the foundation of economic development and plays a crucial role in India’s growth. While the country relies heavily on conventional energy sources like coal and petroleum, the shift towards renewable energy is essential for sustainable development. Harnessing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal energy can help India meet its growing energy demands while minimizing environmental impacts.

1. How does the over-reliance on non-renewable energy resources affect India’s environment and economy? Suggest measures to transition towards renewable energy sources. (250 words)
2. Discuss the potential of solar and wind energy in meeting India’s growing energy demands. What are the challenges and opportunities in harnessing these renewable sources? (250 words)
3. Explain the significance of geothermal and tidal energy as alternative energy sources for India. How can they contribute to the country’s energy security? (250 words)