Topic: Infrastructure: Energy
Q5. Discuss the structural challenges in ensuring round-the-clock reliable electricity supply in India. Analyse the role of different energy sources in addressing these challenges. Outline a comprehensive policy framework to enhance grid resilience and energy security. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
Rising peak demand, renewable expansion, and recent night-time power shortages have exposed structural gaps in India’s power sector and grid management.Key Demand of the question
The question requires identifying structural challenges in ensuring reliable electricity supply, analysing how different energy sources contribute to addressing these issues, and outlining a comprehensive policy framework for grid resilience and energy security.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly link energy security with economic growth and grid reliability
Body
- Structural challenges: Highlight issues like demand-supply mismatch, intermittency, infrastructure gaps
- Role of energy sources: Show contribution of renewables, thermal, nuclear, and storage in balancing supply
- Policy framework: Indicate reforms in storage, grid modernisation, demand-side management, and diversification
Conclusion
Provide a forward-looking solution linking sustainability with reliability
