Technology Development Prospects for the Indian Power Sector

Abstract

The International Energy Agency (IEA), an autonomous agency, was established in November 1974. Its primary mandate was -and is -two-fold: to promote energy security amongst its member countries through collective response to physical disruptions in oil supply, and provide authoritative research and analysis on ways to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 28 member countries and beyond. The IEA carries out a comprehensive programme of energy co-operation among its member countries, each of which is obliged to hold oil stocks equivalent to 90 days of its net imports. The Agency's aims include the following objectives: n Secure member countries' access to reliable and ample supplies of all forms of energy; in particular, through maintaining effective emergency response capabilities in case of oil supply disruptions. n Promote sustainable energy policies that spur economic growth and environmental protection in a global context -particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions that contribute to climate change. n Improve transparency of international markets through collection and analysis of energy data.n Support global collaboration on energy technology to secure future energy supplies and mitigate their environmental impact, including through improved energy efficiency and development and deployment of low-carbon technologies. n Find solutions to global energy challenges through engagement and dialogue with non-member countries, industry, international organisations and other stakeholders. IEA member countries: Executive summaryThe world is facing serious challenges in energy. The global economy is set to grow fourfold in the next 40 years, which promises economic benefits and huge improvements in people's standard of living. But it also implies a much greater use of energy. A global revolution is needed in the ways that energy is produced, supplied and used. A core requirement is far greater energy efficiency, which will necessitate unprecedented levels of co-operation among all major economies.Recognising the diverse challenges faced by different countries, the International Energy Agency (IEA) analysed the energy trends in four countries/regions -India, China, Europe and the United States. These analyses are included in the publication Energy Technology Perspectives 2010 (ETP 2010) (IEA, 2010a), which examines potential technology pathways to achieving a 50% reduction in worldwide energy-related carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. This working paper served as an input to the Indian regional chapter in ETP 2010, but also extends the analysis. It investigates the mix of technologies needed to achieve deep CO 2 emission cuts in the Indian power sector while keeping pace with the strong growth in energy requirements that will result from a rapidly growing economy.Social and economic development in India both depend on access to modern forms of energy. Around 404 million people in India do not have access to electricity. Providing electricity to these peop...