Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Natural gas, biomass energy, LNG, energy mix
Mains: GS Paper 3 — Energy Security, Infrastructure, Economy

Why in News?

An editorial highlights the need for India to diversify its energy mix amid global uncertainties such as disruptions in oil supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Why Energy Diversification Matters

• India heavily depends on:
  → Imported fossil fuels
• Risks:
  • Price volatility
  • Supply disruptions
  • Geopolitical tensions

➤ Solution:
Diversify energy sources and strengthen domestic capacity

Three Key Pathways Explained

1. Electrification of Energy Use

Focus Areas:

• Transport (Electric Vehicles)
• Cooking (electric cooking)
• Industrial processes

➤ Benefits:

• Reduces fossil fuel use
• Improves efficiency

➤ Supporting targets:

• 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030

2. Biomass-Based Energy Expansion

Sources:

• Agricultural residues
• Animal waste
• Municipal solid waste

➤ Potential:

• India produces large biomass resources

Uses:

• Biofuels
• Biogas
• Bio-CNG

➤ Advantage:

• Converts waste into energy
• Supports rural economy

3. Expanding Natural Gas Share

Current Issue:

• Natural gas share is low in India

Strategy:

• Expand pipeline infrastructure
• Promote LNG & city gas distribution

➤ Benefit:

• Cleaner than coal
• Supports transition to green energy

Key Challenge

Strategy	Challenge
Electrification	High initial investment
Biomass	Supply chain issues
Natural gas	Infrastructure gaps

Economic & Infrastructure Constraints

• Logistics challenges in:
  • Biomass collection
  • Transportation
• Need:
  • Financial support
  • Private sector participation

Policy Recommendations

✔ Promote Domestic Energy Sources

• Reduce import dependency

✔ Strengthen Infrastructure

• Pipelines, storage, distribution networks

✔ Financial Incentives

• Encourage private investment
• Carbon credits & subsidies

✔ Innovation & Technology

• Improve efficiency
• Reduce costs

Global Context

• Energy diversification is key for:
  ➤ Energy security
  ➤ Climate goals

India-Specific Insight

➤ Energy transition must balance:

• Growth
• Sustainability
• Security

Core Insight (VERY IMPORTANT)

➤ Energy security =
✔ Diversification
✔ Domestic production
✔ Infrastructure
✔ Technology

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Energy diversification means:

A. Using one source
B. Using multiple energy sources
C. Exporting energy
D. Reducing population

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Biomass energy includes:

1. Agricultural waste
2. Animal waste
3. Coal

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: A

Q3. Natural gas is:

A. Highly polluting
B. Cleaner fossil fuel
C. Renewable energy
D. Nuclear fuel

✅ Answer: B

Q4. LNG stands for:

A. Liquid Natural Gas
B. Liquefied Natural Gas
C. Low Natural Gas
D. Linear Natural Gas

✅ Answer: B

Q5. Which of the following improves energy security?

A. Dependence on imports
B. Diversification
C. Single source reliance
D. No infrastructure

✅ Answer: B

Q6. Electrification helps in:

A. Increasing emissions
B. Reducing fossil fuel use
C. Increasing coal usage
D. None

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Energy diversification is essential for ensuring India’s energy security and sustainable growth.”
Discuss with reference to current strategies. (250 words)

FAQs

1. What is energy diversification?

Using multiple energy sources to reduce dependency.

2. Why is it important?

To ensure energy security and reduce risks.

3. What are key pathways?

Electrification, biomass, and natural gas.

4. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 3 — Energy and Economy.

5. What is the main challenge?

Infrastructure and financing gaps.