Energy Poverty in India

Introduction

India recently achieved 100% village electrification, marking a significant milestone in its development. However, the country has faced challenges in reaching this goal, despite dedicated efforts and public spending. According to World Economic Forum, Energy poverty refers to the lack of access to sustainable modern energy services and products. 

Link between Human Development and Energy Use

• Energy plays a crucial role in human development, as it is essential for fulfilling basic human needs such as clean air, health, food, water, education, and human rights. 
• Energy is essential for economic growth. However, geopolitical tensions worldwide have raised energy prices, preventing equitable access.

Energy Scarcity Amid Technological Advancements

• Despite the revolutionary advancements in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Light-emitting Diode (LED) technologies in India, access to energy remains limited, particularly among rural households. 
• This paradox of energy scarcity amidst plenty calls for a deeper understanding of energy poverty in the Indian context and the exploration of alternative energy sources.

Causes of Energy Poverty in India:

• Lack of Energy Infrastructure: Inadequate modern energy infrastructure, such as power plants and transmission lines, hinders energy access in rural areas.

• Dependence on traditional biomass fuels like wood and crop residue is common due to the absence of infrastructure for delivering natural gas.

• Lack of Affordability: Lower-income households rely on cheap but inefficient and polluting fuels, as they are unable to afford cleaner alternatives.

• Inefficiency of Energy: High energy loss during conversions contributes to energy poverty. Energy poverty rates tend to drop by 0.21% when energy efficiency index scores increase by 1 point, thus showing the direct effect of energy efficiency in energy poverty.

• Geopolitical Tension: Geopolitical instability disrupts the global energy supply chain, affecting energy prices and availability.

• India's oil import bill increased significantly to 119 billion dollars in the fiscal after the Ukraine conflict, reflecting the impact of geopolitical tensions.

Impacts of Energy Poverty in India

• Vicious Labyrinth: Insufficient energy access hampers agricultural and manufacturing development, trapping affected populations in a cycle of poverty.

• Health Hazard: Traditional fuel burning causes indoor air pollution, leading to significant health risks. India experiences a high number of premature deaths, 1 of every 4 of the annual global premature deaths caused by from Household Air Pollution (HAP), with women being particularly vulnerable (approx. 90%).

• Energy Crisis: Escalating energy demand and dependence on fossil fuels contribute to resource depletion and carbon dioxide emissions. Rising greenhouse gas concentrations contribute to global temperature increases.

Measures to Curb Energy Poverty

1. Global Intergovernmental Organization: Powerful platforms like the G-20 and the BRICS need to focus more on energy access, poverty, and security. 

• It is crucial to establish a global intergovernmental organization dedicated to energy transition, access, justice, and climate action. 

1. Creation of Database for Effective Policy Making: Collecting comprehensive data on intra-household and collective differences is vital for policy makers and stakeholders. 
2. Shifting the Focus Towards Renewable Energy Sources: Emphasizing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar energy and biogas is essential for combating energy poverty. 
3. Robust Institutional Mechanism: Establishing strong linkages between different sectors like energy, manufacturing, health, and finance is crucial. 

• These linkages will enable the provision of energy-efficient machinery and subsidies to households in India. 
• Collaborative efforts among institutions in different sectors can offer bundled packages of services to alleviate energy poverty effectively.

1. Translating Goals into Implementable Action: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about subsidies and technological advancements for efficient energy consumption.

• Establish a monitoring mechanism to ensure policy implementation.

Initiatives Shaping India's Energy Transition

Conclusion

By addressing the causes of energy poverty, focusing on renewable energy sources, and implementing comprehensive measures, India can make significant progress in alleviating energy poverty and achieving sustainable development.