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).
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)
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.
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) |
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 |
6. Sector-Wise GHG Emissions in India
- Energy (largest contributor)
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Transport
➡️ Coal power is a major driver of emissions.
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
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.