Why this matters now
Energy resources, the import dependence, and the renewable transition are tested across geography, economy and environment — central to growth, security and climate goals.
Conventional sources
- Coal — the mainstay of power (Gondwana coalfields: Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, WB);
- Petroleum & natural gas — Mumbai High, Assam, KG basin; India imports most of its crude oil;
- Hydropower — Himalayan and Western-Ghats rivers;
- Nuclear — uranium (Jaduguda) and abundant thorium (Kerala monazite sands).
Renewable energy
India is a global leader in the renewable energy push: solar (huge potential, the International Solar Alliance), wind (Tamil Nadu, Gujarat), biomass, small hydro and emerging green hydrogen. India has pledged 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070.
Energy security and transition
Key challenges: high import dependence (oil/gas), the need to balance growth with decarbonisation, grid integration of renewables, storage, and a just energy transition. Strategies include diversifying imports, strategic petroleum reserves, energy efficiency, and scaling clean energy.
UPSC angle
Know conventional sources (Gondwana coal, Mumbai High oil, KG gas, thorium/monazite), renewables (solar/ISA, wind, green hydrogen), the 500 GW-by-2030 / net-zero-2070 pledges, and import dependence.
Frequently asked questions
What is India’s main source of power?
Coal remains the mainstay of India’s electricity generation, mined chiefly from the Gondwana coalfields.
Why is thorium important for India?
India has abundant thorium (in Kerala’s monazite sands), which is central to the third stage of its nuclear programme.
What are India’s renewable energy targets?
500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.
What is India’s biggest energy challenge?
High import dependence for oil and gas, alongside balancing growth with decarbonisation.