CONCLUSION

The Indian energy sector is at the tipping point as alternate renewable energy technologies have gained significance during the last two decades. There is a need to navigate the energy transition for sustainable growth in socio-economic aspects of the country. Though the energy consumption per GDP is higher, production of valuable goods is quite low in the country which shows that there is a need to improve the end-use efficiency. Energy utilization from non-conventional energy sources holds the major share after fossil fuels, which has to be considered for technology improvement. Indian electric power generation mainly depends on coal and hydro resources which are centralized. Sparsely located load centers, theft, pilferage, and unmetered supply causes high T & D losses which needs to be reduced through distributed generation and micro-grids. Capacity addition through renewable energy sources will ensure the effective renewable mix in total installed capacity, while meeting the future demand. Demand-side management and end use efficiency improvements are the short term requirements to fill the supply–demand gap and for reliable energy supply. It also reduces the derivatives (ash, fumes, GHG gases, etc.) by increasing the net productivity. Smart grid technology will make the power system more reliable, secure, efficient, and environment-friendly. New energy sources and effective use of available resources would keep the country on a sustainable path leading to achievement of energy independence.