The overall sustainability of the economic system and infrastructure sector is of utmost importance. One of the steps, or rather a goal, is to move towards the path of energy transition. The ultimate objective is to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
Various countries have set their goals of achieving net zero in different time frames. The starting point of all such milestones revolves around the “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDG). Thus, SDG is important from inception to completion, and a basic focus needs to be given to its attainment as soon as possible. For all countries, especially developing nations, energy and electricity needs are increasing at different growth rates. Such countries have the right to develop themselves and achieve better economic conditions. Thus, energy security is now more crucial than ever, and any country aspiring to become a developed nation cannot ignore its significance.
Climate change, driven by various factors, including greenhouse gas emissions, is a reality and its mitigation is a challenge for governments and humanity. Carbon emissions must be controlled to curb rising global warming. Continuous global temperature rise is an alarming situation and requires a multi-pronged approach to prevent the imminent disastrous consequences.
The government, along with other stakeholders, is deeply focussed on improving energy efficiency, reducing losses of power distribution companies (DISCOMs), and enhancing the productivity of the sector at the most competitive prices. Development and sustainability must progress together in balance. In this regard, key focus areas in the power sector will be planning (power demand, resource planning etc), design, construction, operation, condition monitoring, maintenance, refurbishment, improved management practices, safe disposal, and recycling of end-of-life equipment. The concept of “repurposing” eligible equipment needs to be promoted, and standards should be developed in this regard. The concept of “LIFE” (Lifestyle for Environment) must be adopted in letter and spirit, and civil society’s role in spreading awareness of LIFE should be encouraged.
Improved energy efficiency plays a major role in the overall energy scenario
It must be clearly understood that there is a “crop-water-electricity/energy nexus.” This concept needs to be acknowledged, and an optimised approach must be taken to address it. Crop production and variety should be chosen based on soil type and geographical conditions to optimise energy use. Agricultural scientists have stated that soils such as those in Punjab and similar regions are unsuitable for paddy crops, as paddy requires significant water throughout its growth cycle. Farmers in these regions rely on deep borewells and consume large amounts of electricity to extract groundwater. In such areas, crop varieties requiring less water should be cultivated.
As previously mentioned, improved energy efficiency plays a major role in the overall energy scenario. To this end, the government has introduced many energy conservation measures. One such initiative is the star rating of equipment and appliances, which has proven useful.
To achieve energy transition goals, India continues to increase the share of renewable energy generation capacity in its energy basket
Renewable energy (clean energy) potential is generally located away from load centers. To evacuate power generated from such RE power plants, long-distance transmission is carried out through high-voltage AC and high-voltage DC systems. The new transmission infrastructure being developed in the country is helping to reduce system losses.
To achieve energy transition goals, India continues to increase the share of renewable energy generation capacity in its energy basket. Due to the flexible and intermittent nature of RE power generation, various measures are being taken for RE integration. These include establishing reactive power management devices, improving communication, control, supervision, load control, and developing Renewable Energy Management Centers (REMCs).
India has set a target to attain 500 GW of non-fossil-based power generation capacity by 2030, which will be enhanced to 600 GW by 2032
India has set a target to attain 500 GW of non-fossil-based power generation capacity by 2030, which will be enhanced to 600 GW by 2032. Existing water bodies at various projects are also being used to establish “Floating Solar” photovoltaic systems. These systems offer advantages such as land conservation, efficient operation, and conservation of water by reducing water evaporation. The environmental impact of installing such systems on water bodies is also being carefully addressed.
The concept of zero-energy buildings and improved “GRIHA ratings” should be promoted to mitigate climate change through conservation measures. The use of geothermal heat for environmental conditioning should be explored to save the electricity consumed through air conditioning. To combat global warming caused by municipal solid waste, waste-to-energy conversion programmes should be implemented. If municipal waste is left to decay, it produces methane, which has 5.5 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Properly combusting municipal solid waste in well-designed furnaces can generate electricity through heat-to-steam conversion. These programmes protect the environment, reduce the burden on civic amenities, prevent water contamination, curb harmful emissions, and mitigate direct environmental pollution. They also help prevent landfill fires, landslides in dump yards (especially during monsoons), and threats posed by scavenger birds near airports and electrical infrastructure. These waste-to-energy conversion projects are taken up under the “Swachchha Bharat Mission,” through which dump yards get cleaned up for accommodating incoming waste, promoting environmental cleanliness. Electricity generated from such waste-to-energy programmes in India falls under the “Renewable Energy” category.
The location of pit-head thermal power stations and non-center-based power stations should be optimised to reduce congestion on railway tracks and minimise transmission losses. Energy audits in the power system are necessary to pinpoint the sections where the losses are high as compared to the normal standard value of losses. Based on energy audit results in different sectors, economic growth should be ensured.
Pumped hydropower stations are good sources of storage and have a long life. These sources are quite stable and can provide the inertia in the system. Other energy storage solutions include Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Compressed Air Energy Storage Systems (CAES), Solar Thermal Energy Storage Systems (STES), where thermal energy is stored using sand/concrete/oil, flywheel energy storage, gravity energy storage, and storage in electrical and magnetic fields, etc.
Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) presents new opportunities for energy planners to think for the future
Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) presents new opportunities for energy planners to think for the future. Awareness of energy conservation and climate change mitigation is essential and should start from schools. Advanced energy conservation and efficiency improvement programmes should be developed to yield significant results. To manage load and optimise electricity consumption, advanced metering infrastructure — especially smart meters — should be widely deployed by utilities.
The celebration of “Energy Conservation Day” on December 14 across the nation is an excellent initiative to raise awareness about energy conservation. On this day, industries and other sectors are recognised at the national level for outstanding achievements in energy savings. This motivates various sectors to enhance efficiency and avoid wasteful use of energy. Energy conservation and efficiency are the need of the hour, requiring innovative solutions. Continuous R&D programmes, supported by adequate funding, must be undertaken. Standardisation will play a major role in achieving higher efficiency, conserving energy, managing inventory, and increasing competitiveness.
At the international level, India has cross-border electricity links with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar
At the international level, India has cross-border electricity links with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Plans are underway to further strengthen these connections. Under the “One Sun One World One Grid” (OSOWOG) initiative of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), various interconnections with more countries are being planned, with studies and discussions in progress.
As land resources are limited, offshore wind potential is being harnessed in several countries. India is not far behind in making such moves and there are plans to tap the offshore wind resources in the country.
The adoption of electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid concepts can be optimised. Large-scale battery swapping stations can be effectively utilised to support the grid through grid-to-battery and battery-to-grid cycles.
For a better tomorrow, we must invest in the planning and infrastructure needed to achieve the goal of energy transition.