Introduction__Energy_Conservation_

Introduction The energy sector holds the key in accelerating the economic growth of India. Consumption of energy has been steadily increasing in tune with GDP growth. Indian ene rgy sec tor , however, has con str aints of resources, cap ital, techno log y and environment raising issues of energy security. Future economic growth of our country crucia ll y depends on the long term av ai la bi li ty of ener gy resources that ar e affordable, accessible and environmental friendly. Looking at the pattern of energy consumption, one observes that although India rank s sixth in the total energy consumption, but per capi ta energy consumpt ion remains very low (Figs. 1&2). Coal and oil are the main commercial fuels and the country remains a net importer of energy, more than 25% of primary energy needs are met through imports mainly in the form of crude oil. The rising oil import bill has been a cause of serious concern. Regarding elec trical power scenario in the country, thermal contributes nearly 70% while 28% is hydro and rest nuclear and wind (Fig 3). The absolute figures are given in Fig. 4. The gap between demand and supply persists throughout the year in most parts of the country. With this scenario of energy demand and supply, the solutions that are being discussed at the highest level are (1) abundantly available renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro and bio energy (2) improving the efficiency of energy uses by implementing energy conservation measures etc. 9691.1 1175.2 345.4 2297.9 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 W orld C hina India U S PRI M A RY ENERGY CONSUMPTION (MTOE) O i l N G Coal Nuclear Hydro Total

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Introduction__Energy_Conservation_