Energy Sources vs. Carriers: Understanding India’s Energy Landscape

Energy Sources, Carriers, and Technologies

1. Key Distinction: Energy Sources vs. Carriers

• Energy Sources: Where energy originates (coal, sunlight, wind).
• Energy Carriers: How energy is delivered (electricity, liquid fuels, heat).

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2. Non-Renewable Energy Sources

• Finite, carbon-intensive, dominant in India
  • Coal: Provides 70% of India’s electricity; responsible for 95% of power sector emissions.
  • Oil & Natural Gas: High GHG emissions; India imports significant quantities.

Impacts:

• Climate change
• Air pollution
• Water heating (thermal plants affect marine life)

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3. Renewable Energy Sources

• Originate from sun, gravity, or Earth’s heat:
  • Solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal

Advantages:

• Cleaner
• Increasingly cost-competitive
• High potential (especially solar)

Example: Solar energy potential vastly exceeds current consumption.

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4. Energy Carriers

Carrier	Use Case	Key Features
Electricity	Versatile (lighting, appliances)	Clean at point of use; requires generation & transmission
Liquid Fuels	Transport (petrol, diesel)	High energy density; major emissions source
Heat	Industrial processes, cooking	Often wasted in conversion (coal plants: 36% efficiency)

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5. Electricity Generation Technologies in India

Technology	Construction Time	Capital Cost	Auxiliary Use	Land Need	Key Features
Coal	5–10 years	Moderate	High	Moderate	High emissions; cooling issues
Natural Gas	Quick startup	Moderate	Moderate	Low	Efficient; requires imports
Hydro	Long	High	Low	High	Reliable; large land impact
Wind/Solar	1–1.5 years	Competitive	Low	High (solar)	Clean; decentralized potential
Rooftop Solar	Short	Low	Minimal	Minimal	Decentralized; minimal grid loss
Waste-to-Energy	–	Highest	Highest	Moderate	High cost; operational challenges

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6. Sector-Wise GHG Emissions in India

• Energy (largest contributor)
• Agriculture
• Industry
• Transport

➡️ Coal power is a major driver of emissions.

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7. Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE)

• Pioneers: SELCO Foundation – using DRE (e.g., solar micro-grids) to expand access in remote areas.

Benefits:

• Reduces transmission losses
• Empowers rural communities
• Supports sustainable development

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Exam Tip

• Focus on distinguishing between energy sources (origin) and carriers (delivery).
• Understand coal’s dominance in India’s energy mix and its environmental impacts.
• Compare renewable vs. non-renewable sources in terms of cost, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Be prepared to discuss the role of decentralized renewables (like rooftop solar) in improving access and reducing emissions.
• Use data (70% electricity from coal) and examples (SELCO) to illustrate key points.
• Always link technical aspects to socio-environmental outcomes.