UPSC (2026) Revision Sheet: India’s Energy Security
Energy security refers to the availability, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of energy resources required for a country’s economic growth and national security.
India is the third-largest energy consumer in the world, making energy security a key policy priority.
1️⃣ India’s Energy Mix
India relies on a diverse mix of energy sources.
| Source | Approx. Share |
|---|---|
| Coal | ~55% |
| Oil | ~30% |
| Natural Gas | ~6% |
| Renewables | ~8–10% |
| Nuclear | ~2% |
Coal remains the dominant energy source, especially for electricity generation.
2️⃣ Oil and Gas Import Dependence
India depends heavily on imports.
Crude Oil
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~85% imported
Natural Gas
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~50% imported
Major suppliers include:
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Iraq
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Saudi Arabia
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United Arab Emirates
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Russia
3️⃣ Strategic Energy Chokepoints
Most of India’s energy imports pass through important maritime routes.
Key chokepoint
Strait of Hormuz
Facts
-
~20% of global oil trade passes through it.
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About 60–70% of India’s oil imports transit this route.
Any conflict here can disrupt India’s energy supply.
4️⃣ Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR)
India maintains emergency oil reserves to handle supply disruptions.
Managed by:
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited
Locations
-
Vishakhapatnam
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Mangaluru
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Padur
These reserves can support about 9–10 days of crude oil demand.
5️⃣ Key Government Initiatives
1. Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP)
Encourages private investment in oil and gas exploration.
2. National Biofuel Policy
Promotes ethanol blending in petrol.
India aims for 20% ethanol blending by 2025.
3. National Solar Mission
Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change
Goal: Expand solar energy capacity.
4. International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Launched by:
-
India
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France
Promotes solar energy in tropical countries.
6️⃣ Renewable Energy Targets
India aims to achieve:
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500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030
Major renewable sources:
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Solar
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Wind
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Hydropower
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Biomass
7️⃣ Emerging Energy Technologies
India is investing in new technologies.
Green Hydrogen Mission
Launched in 2023 to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production.
Electric Vehicles
Promoted through schemes like:
FAME India Scheme
8️⃣ Major Challenges
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High import dependence
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Geopolitical risks
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Price volatility in global markets
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Energy demand growth
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Infrastructure limitations
9️⃣ Way Forward
Experts recommend:
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Diversifying oil import sources
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Expanding renewable energy
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Increasing domestic exploration
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Building larger strategic reserves
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Strengthening regional energy cooperation
Prelims Quick Facts
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India imports ~85% of crude oil.
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Strait of Hormuz is the most important energy route for India.
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India aims for 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030.
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Strategic petroleum reserves are stored at Vishakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur.
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