India is being pragmatic about its energy use, looking for alternatives but not sacrificing energy consumption that's vital for a growing economy. Data from the World Energy Institute shows India scores 50 in sustainable energy, a mid-point score that fits with its current realities. Here’s a look:Index assesses countries on their ability to provide sustainable energy through 3 dimensions: energy security , energy equity (accessibility and affordability), environmental sustainability.Though India scores high on energy security, the index has dipped almost every year since 2000.: Reduction in energy storage, and diversity of primary energy supply as well as an increase in import dependency.Equity and Sustainability low but improving each year due to reduction in energy prices and more efficiency.Ongoing hydrocarbon exploration licensing policy (HELP) to boost domestic production and national policy on biofuels.Policies promoting electric vehicles with focus on shared and public transport.A time-bound pan-India strategy to tackle air pollution.Energy efficiency measures include demand-side management through the speedy implementation of Smart Meter Programme and industrial energy efficiency through Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme.Electricity access provided to almost 100% households, target to realise 24x7 power for all.Plan for solarisation of irrigation pumpsetsUse of barren land for solar plants by farmersContinued expansion of LPG connections and subsidies for LPG delivered via DBT175 GW renewable energy capacity targeted by 2022; ultimately 500 GW by 2030At the same time, increasing gas share in the energy mix (Steps include gas grid, city gas distribution, plans for LNG trading hub)Encouraging implementation of energy storage for large solar plants, domestic PV manufacturing and RE hybrid systemsImprove fiscal performance of SEBsMitigate import dependence on oil and gas* Enhance domestic manufacturingIntegrate large variable renewable energy capacity and optimum flexible operation of conventional generationWorld Energy Trilemma Index is a quantification of the Energy Trilemma, defined as the triple challenge of providing secure, equitable and affordable, environmentally sustainable energy.Key metrics (and weights) used to compute scores: Energy security (30%): Import dependence, diversity of electricity generation, energy storage; Energy equity (30%): population’s electricity access, electricity prices, gasoline and diesel prices Environmental sustainability (30%): Final energy intensity, % power generation from decarbonised sources, CO2 emissions per capita; Country context (10%): Macroeconomic stability, effectiveness of government, innovation capability.

Source: Economic Times October 21, 2019 12:22 UTC