Context

• As India aspires to achieve energy self-reliance by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070, the next phase of its energy transition requires a more integrated and coordinated approach to planning and governance.
• Recognising this need, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) released a policy brief in May 2026 proposing a Unified National Energy Framework.
• The framework aims to integrate diverse energy resources, technologies, and institutions to achieve energy security, affordability, sustainability, and long-term economic growth.

India's Energy Transition: Achievements and Emerging Challenges

• Major Achievements
  • India has made significant progress in improving energy accessibility and sustainability through several landmark initiatives, including:
    • Saubhagya Scheme, which achieved near-universal household electrification.
    • Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), which expanded access to clean cooking fuel for millions of households.
    • Rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity from approximately 40 GW in 2015 to nearly 260 GW by 2025, making India one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy markets.
• Emerging Challenges
  • Despite these successes, India's energy sector faces several structural challenges:
    • Rising energy demand due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth.
    • Continued dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas.
    • Balancing multiple priorities, including energy security, affordability, sustainability, and economic competitiveness.
    • Increasing complexity arising from the integration of conventional and renewable energy sources.

Need for an Integrated National Energy Framework

• The INSA policy brief argues that India's evolving energy landscape requires a holistic approach rather than fragmented sector-specific policies.
• An integrated framework seeks to:
  • Coordinate planning across all energy sources.
  • Improve collaboration among various institutions and stakeholders.
  • Integrate generation, transmission, storage, distribution, and emerging technologies.
  • Ensure long-term policy consistency.
  • Enhance energy resilience while supporting sustainable development.
• By viewing the energy sector as a single interconnected system, the framework aims to optimize resource utilization and improve policy effectiveness.

The Four Pillars of the Proposed Energy Framework

• Adequacy: Ensuring Reliable Energy Supply
• Adequacy focuses on maintaining a secure and diversified energy supply capable of meeting India's growing energy demand.
• Key strategies include:
  • Diversification of conventional and renewable energy sources.
  • Modernization of energy infrastructure.
  • Expansion of energy storage systems.
  • Adoption of digital technologies for efficient grid management.
  • Strengthening national energy resilience and reducing long-term vulnerabilities.
• Access: Providing Reliable and Equitable Energy
• Building upon India's achievements in electrification and clean cooking fuel access, this pillar emphasizes universal access to quality energy services.
• Priority areas include:
  • Improving last-mile connectivity.
  • Enhancing reliability and quality of electricity supply.
  • Expanding decentralized and off-grid renewable energy solutions.
  • Ensuring equitable access for rural and remote communities.
• Affordability: Making Energy Economically Accessible
• A successful energy transition must remain financially sustainable for consumers and industries alike. The framework promotes:
  • Innovative financing mechanisms.
  • Efficient and competitive energy markets.
  • Consumer protection measures.
  • Cost-effective deployment of clean energy technologies.
  • Inclusive economic growth without imposing excessive financial burdens.
• Appropriate Sustainability: A Context-Specific Approach
• Unlike a one-size-fits-all sustainability model, the framework advocates an approach tailored to India's developmental priorities and resource availability. This includes:
  • Region-specific transition strategies.
  • Support for local communities.
  • Workforce reskilling and employment generation.
  • Environmentally responsible development aligned with socio-economic realities.
  • The concept recognizes that sustainability must complement, not hinder, India's development goals.

Phased Roadmap for Energy Transition

• Short-Term Priorities
• Immediate focus areas include:
  • Strengthening energy infrastructure.
  • Accelerating renewable energy deployment.
  • Promoting emerging technologies such as green hydrogen.
  • Establishing institutional mechanisms for better coordination.
• Long-Term Priorities
• Over time, emphasis will shift toward:
  • Greater integration of low-carbon technologies.
  • Increased use of bio-resources.
  • Development of resilient and interconnected energy systems.
  • Continuous technological innovation and digitalisation.

Conclusion

• India's energy transition extends beyond increasing renewable energy capacity; it seeks to build an integrated, resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy system capable of supporting future economic growth and environmental commitments.
• The Unified National Energy Framework proposed by the Indian National Science Academy provides a comprehensive roadmap by emphasizing the four pillars of adequacy, access, affordability, and appropriate sustainability.
• Through coordinated planning, technological innovation, and inclusive governance, India can strengthen its energy security, reduce import dependence, and successfully achieve its long-term goals of energy self-reliance by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070.