Energy Sources and Policies in India

India currently ranks as the seventh largest energy producer in the world. It is also the fifth largest energy consumer in the world. Since independence in 1947, the country has seen significant expansion in energy use, with a shift from non-commercial to commercial sources. The demand for energy, particularly for commercial energy, has been growing rapidly with the growth of the economy, changes in the demographic structure, rising urbanization, socio-economic development, and the desire for attaining and sustaining self-reliance in vital sectors of the economy. The power supply position prevailing in the country is characterized by persistent shortages, unreliability, and high prices for industrial consumers. Due to the stagnating domestic production of crude oil, India's dependence on imported oil is growing steadily. This naturally raises concerns about energy security. India cannot compete effectively in world markets unless critical energy inputs are available in adequate quantities and at appropriate prices. This book examines the current energy scenario in India. It looks at the policies and programs of the government to deal with the rapidly growing demand for energy in the wake of economic liberalization and globalization of the Indian economy.