Government Policies on Energy Resources

The Government of India is serious about its commitments regarding the environment and has been working actively in the field. Also, there are many crucial PSUs and Organizations that are working for Energy Resources like NTPC, NHPC, REC, PFC, PTC, NTPI, North Eastern Electric, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, Tehri Hydro Development, etc. In this article, we will be looking at some of the Government Initiatives on Energy Resources:

Fame-India Scheme

It is a scheme for the encouragement of electric vehicles. It's part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. Its focus areas are Technology development, Demand Creation, Pilot Projects, and Charging Infrastructure. An extended version of this scheme known as the Fame-2 scheme came with an extended budget and extended goals like: increasing the number of electric public vehicles and commercial use. The government will also encourage funding for electric buses, and three and four-wheelers for commercial use.

Government schemes for 2021 to help Boost EV adoption

Intending to decrease carbon emissions to almost 0 by 2070, India is working towards the rapid increase of the adoption of Electric Vehicles.

Various measures are being taken for this purpose such as:

• PLI scheme for the auto sector

• FAME II Amendment

• Scrappage Policy

National Policy on Biofuels 2018

In The Union Cabinet, 2018, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the National Policy on Biofuels 2018.

What does this policy say?

• Biofuel is categorized as ‘Basic Biofuels’

• Encouragement of production of ethanol with the use of sugarcane juice, damaged grains, etc.

• For farmer’s advantage, the use of grains in huge amounts has been advised for the production of ethanol

• Increased funding for 2G Biofuel production

• Encouragement of production process using non-edible oilseeds and cooking oil

Urja Sangam 2015/PAHAL

It was launched by PM Narendra Modi ji as a ‘Give it up’ campaign to give up the LPG  subsidy and announced a target to bring Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to 1 crore houses.

Ujjwala Yojana

It was launched in Ballia by PM Narendra Modi ji in May 2016 under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This scheme was made to distribute 8 crore gas connections to the women lying under BPL. The families will be identified through the Socio-economic cast Census (SECC) and given Rs. 1,600 per connection for financial assistance. After the introduction of Ujjwala 2.0, the target increased from BPL women to women from seven categories: SC, ST, PMAY, AAY, most backward classes, tea gardens, forest dwellers, and Islands.

Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga

This is a mission by the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and the Petroleum Ministry to join Bhubaneswar and Cuttak via the Gas Pipeline connection launched in March 2017. The target was to reach PNG to 20 Lakh Households. The extension of this project is also known as the Northeast Gas Pipeline Grid Project

Rural Electrification Policies

Some policies are made for 80% of the population which is present in the rural areas of India for supplying electricity at a reasonable cost and providing green and clean energy to rural households.

• Rural Electrification Policy, 2005

• Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna (RGGVY), 2005

• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), 2015

• Saubhagya: Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, 2017 

Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY)

This was announced by the Minister of State of Power, Coal, and New Renewable Energy in November 2015. UDAY is a government scheme, that targeted financial restructuring and operational improvement of power distribution companies in India. It aimed to alleviate the financial stress of DISCOMs, enhance efficiency, and ensure a sustainable power sector. 

Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)

UJALA came in March 2015 as DELP then came as UJALA in March 2016. It is a government initiative in India promoting energy efficiency by distributing affordable LED bulbs. It aims to reduce household energy consumption, lower electricity bills, and contribute to environmental sustainability through the widespread adoption of energy-efficient lighting solutions. 

NELP and HELP

NELP came in February 1999 and HELP came in March 2016. The New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) and Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) were initiatives to boost oil and gas exploration. They attracted investments, fostered technological advancements, and aimed at reducing India's dependence on energy imports.

Energy Policy of India

India's comprehensive energy policy prioritizes sustainability, affordability, and security. Emphasizing renewable sources, energy efficiency, and a diversified mix, it aims to meet growing demand while addressing environmental concerns, ensuring a resilient energy landscape. 

Integrated Energy Policy

The Integrated Energy Policy was released in August 2006 and sought to integrate diverse energy sources, ensuring energy security and sustainable development. By promoting efficient technologies and a balanced energy mix, IEP aimed at meeting the nation's energy needs while mitigating environmental impacts.