India is the world’s third-largest energy consumer and is rapidly increasing its energy consumption. The nation relies on a variety of sources of energy to meet its needs, including renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. This article will discuss the present sources of energy that are used in India and the advantages and disadvantages associated with them.
Present Sources of Energy in India
India currently has a diverse range of energy sources that it depends on to meet its energy needs. These sources include coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and biomass. Coal is the most widely used source of energy in India, accounting for around 55% of the nation’s energy needs. Oil is the second-largest source of energy in India, accounting for around 23% of the nation’s energy needs. Natural gas accounts for around 9% of the nation’s energy needs, while nuclear energy accounts for around 3%. Hydroelectric, wind, solar, and biomass energy account for around 8% of India’s energy needs.
Advantages
The use of these sources of energy offers several advantages. Coal and oil are the most widely used sources of energy in India and are relatively cheap and easily available. Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel and is relatively efficient. Nuclear energy is a clean and efficient source of energy, and hydroelectric, wind, and solar energy are renewable and environmentally friendly sources of energy. Biomass is also a renewable source of energy and can be used to generate electricity.
Disadvantages
Despite the advantages of these sources of energy, there are also some drawbacks. Coal and oil are non-renewable sources of energy and can cause environmental damage. Natural gas is a fossil fuel and is not a renewable source of energy. Nuclear energy is associated with safety risks and radioactive waste. Hydroelectric, wind, and solar energy are intermittent sources of energy and can be affected by weather conditions. Biomass is limited in its availability and is not as efficient as other sources of energy.
In conclusion, India relies on a variety of sources of energy to meet its energy needs. These sources include coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and biomass. Each source of energy has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider them when deciding which sources of energy to use.