UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 30th August

UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 30th August

Question

India’s high dependence on imported hydrocarbons poses significant risks to its economic stability and strategic autonomy. In this backdrop, critically examine the challenges and opportunities in achieving energy sovereignty. Suggest measures through which India can reconcile energy security with its commitments towards sustainable development and climate goals. (15 marks, 250 words) 

Model Answer

Introduction:  

  • Energy sovereignty implies a nation’s ability to secure, produce, and sustain its energy needs independently. India imports over 85% of crude oil and ~50% of natural gas, making energy imports one of the largest contributors to the trade deficit. India will account for 25% of global energy demand growth by 2040 (India Energy Outlook 2021), making energy sovereignty vital for both economic development and national security. 

 Challenges in Achieving Energy Sovereignty: 

  • Import Dependence & Geopolitical Risks: Oil imports from conflict-prone regions (West Asia, Russia) expose India to supply chain disruptions. 

  • E.g. The June 2025 Israel-Iran standoff nearly threatened ~20 mb/d of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. 

  • Foreign Exchange Outflow: Petroleum imports form around 25% of merchandise imports, pressuring the rupee and widening the current account deficit. 

  • Slow Renewable Integration: While India achieved ~180 GW of RE capacity in 2023, renewables are intermittent and need strong grid balancing/storage infrastructure. 

  • Underdeveloped Domestic Hydrocarbons: India has 150+ billion tonnes of coal reserves (Geological Survey of India), yet issues of high ash content and environmental costs limit optimal use. 

  • Technology & Supply Chain Dependence: For solar PV and batteries, 65–70% imports come from China. Such dependencies shift vulnerabilities from West Asia to East Asia. 

  • Climate Commitments vs. Growth Needs: India committed to Net Zero by 2070. However, fossil fuels still meet ~75% of India’s energy demand. Thus, balancing both is a major policy dilemma. 

 Opportunities for India in Energy Sovereignty: 

  • Abundant Renewable Potential: India has 750 GW solar and 300 GW wind potential, making RE the cornerstone of sovereignty. 

  • Biofuels & Rural Integration: Ethanol blending (E10 achieved ahead of schedule in 2022 while E20 targeted by 2025–26) reduced oil import bill. 

  • Nuclear as Baseload: Expansion from current 8.8 GW nuclear capacity to 22 GW by 2031 offers zero-carbon, dispatchable power. 

  • Hydrogen Economy: National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) aims for 5 MMT annual production by 2030, positioning India as a global hydrogen hub. 

  • Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): India’s 5.3 MMT SPR capacity can meet around 9.5 days of demand and expansion to 24 days under planning. 

 

Measures to Reconcile Energy Security with Sustainable Development: 

  • Diversification of Energy Basket: Reduce overdependence on West Asia & Russia by expanding LNG contracts with the US, Australia, and Africa. 

  • Boost Domestic Production & Innovation: Coal gasification & carbon capture for clean use of domestic coal reserves. 

  • Grid Modernisation & Storage: Scale up pumped hydro (18 GW identified potential) and battery storage for renewable integration. 

  • Institutional & Policy Reforms: Implement Energy Security Doctrine similar to National Electricity Plan, ensuring coordination between ministries. 

  • International Partnerships: Leverage International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Global Biofuels Alliance (2023 G20 initiative by India) for technology access and markets. 

  • Balancing Climate Commitments: Adopt a just transition framework to shift coal-dependent regions towards green jobs. 

 Conclusion:  

  • India’s quest for energy sovereignty is not about autarky but about resilience where the challenge is to fuel rapid economic growth (aiming for a $5 trillion economy by 2030) while staying on the path to net-zero. As NITI Aayog’s ‘India Energy Security Scenarios 2047’ emphasises, a diversified, technology-driven and indigenous energy system is central to India’s future prosperity.