A Unified Policy Architecture for India’s Energy Future
Subject: Science & Technology
Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
- Established in 1935 (originally the National Institute of Sciences of India).
- Autonomous apex scientific body under the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
- Advises the Government on Science & Technology policies and publishes evidence-based policy papers on energy, climate, health, and emerging technologies.
Why is an Integrated Energy Framework Needed?
- Rising energy demand due to industrialisation, urbanisation, and economic growth.
- High dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas.
- Need to balance:
- Energy Security
- Affordability
- Sustainability
- Economic Growth
- Requires better coordination across fuels, technologies, and institutions.
India’s Energy Achievements
- Saubhagya Scheme: Near-universal household electrification.
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Expanded access to clean cooking fuel.
- Renewable energy capacity increased from ~40 GW (2015) to 260 GW (2025).
Four Pillars of the INSA Framework
1. Adequacy
- Reliable and diversified energy supply.
- Modern infrastructure, energy storage, and digital technologies.
- Improves resilience and reduces long-term risks.
2. Access
- Reliable and equitable energy for all.
- Strengthens last-mile connectivity.
- Promotes decentralised energy solutions.
3. Affordability
- Cost-effective energy transition.
- Encourages innovative financing, efficient markets, and consumer protection.
- Ensures an inclusive transition.
4. Appropriate Sustainability
- Sustainability suited to India’s developmental needs.
- Rejects a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
- Supports local communities, workforce development, and region-specific strategies.
Cross-Cutting Enablers
- Promotes Circular Economy for resource efficiency.
- Supports Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) to reduce industrial emissions.
- Complements renewable energy and low-carbon development.
Phased Energy Transition Strategy
Near Term
- Strengthen energy infrastructure.
- Accelerate renewable energy deployment.
- Promote Green Hydrogen.
- Improve institutional coordination.
Long Term
- Greater adoption of low-carbon technologies.
- Increased use of biomass and bio-resources.
- Build a resilient, integrated energy ecosystem.
Integrated Vision
- Coal, renewables, biomass, natural gas, waste-to-energy, and clean technologies are complementary, not competing.
- Focus on long-term planning and inter-sectoral coordination.
- Aim: Build a resilient, affordable, secure, and sustainable energy system while supporting India’s development and climate commitments.
