Integrated National Energy Framework: Need, Initiatives & Challenges

• Recently, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) proposed a unified National Energy Framework to advance energy security, self-reliance by 2047, and Net Zero by 2070.
  

  About Integrated National Energy Framework

  • Meaning: It was proposed by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) to unify energy sources, infrastructure, institutions, technologies, and policies.
  • National Vision: Balances security, affordability, sustainability, equity, and innovation for Energy Independence 2047 and Net Zero 2070.

Need for a Unified National Energy Framework (UNEF)

• Growing Demand: India’s energy demand may nearly double by 2047, driven by urbanisation, industrialisation, electrification, and digitalisation.
• Energy Security: India imports 85%+ crude oil and around 50% natural gas, increasing vulnerability to global disruptions.
• Policy Coordination: Multiple ministries govern energy, causing fragmented policies, coordination gaps, duplication, and slower implementation.
• Transition Management: Achieving 500 GW non-fossil capacity, Energy Independence 2047, and Net Zero 2070 requires integrated governance.
• Reliable Access: Universal electrification achieved, yet affordable, reliable, clean energy needs resilient grids, storage, and coordinated planning.

Challenges in Implementing the Unified National Energy Framework (UNEF)

• Institutional Challenges: Fragmented governance across ministries and Centre–State coordination gaps hinder integrated energy planning and policy implementation.
• Financial Constraints: High capital requirements, persistent DISCOM losses (over ₹6 lakh crore in accumulated liabilities), and limited private investment slow the energy transition.
• Technological Barriers: High battery storage costs, grid integration challenges, high green hydrogen costs, and limited commercial deployment of CCUS technologies.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate transmission networks, land acquisition delays, and insufficient evacuation infrastructure for renewable energy constrain large-scale clean energy deployment.
• Social Challenges: Workforce reskilling from coal-dependent sectors, regional development disparities, and public acceptance issues complicate a just and inclusive energy transition.

Way Forward

• Institutional Reforms: Establish a National Integrated Energy Commission, a unified energy plan, and an integrated national energy data platform.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Strengthen Green Energy Corridors, smart grids, strategic storage, and regional electricity balancing markets nationwide.
• Technology Innovation: Scale indigenous batteries, green hydrogen, AI-enabled energy management, and advanced nuclear technologies for resilience.
• Innovative Financing: Expand green bonds, carbon markets, blended finance, and public-private partnerships to mobilise transition investments.
• Collaborative Governance: Foster cooperative federalism, whole-of-government coordination, energy diplomacy, and community participation for an inclusive energy transition.

“Energy security is the new economic sovereignty.“ A Unified National Energy Framework will drive Viksit Bharat 2047 through resilience, sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Reference: The Hindu

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 736

Q. India’s energy transition requires integrated governance, not fragmented policies. Discuss the significance of the Unified National Energy Framework (UNEF) and suggest measures for its effective implementation. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

• Introduction: Write a contextual introduction about the Unified National Energy Framework (UNEF).
• Body: Write about the significance of the Unified National Energy Framework (UNEF), challenges, and suggest measures for its effective implementation.
• Conclusion: Emphasis on integrated energy governance, resilient infrastructure, and clean technologies to ensure energy security and sustainable development.