Report: State’s per capita energy use up 35% in 8 yrs

Between 2011 and 2019, energy consumption in Gujarat increased by 35% from 14.4 to 19.4 gigajoules (GJ) per person per annum.

During the same period, the human development index (HDI) increased from 0.61 to 0.67. 

This was one of the data points presented in the report ‘Synchronizing energy transitions toward possible net zero for India: Affordable and clean energy for all’, which was released at IIM Ahmedabad (IIM-A) on Saturday.

The report was led by Prof Amit Garg, NIIF Chair Professor at the IIM-A. 

The study received support from the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the government of India and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL). 

The report had a limited release by PSA in April this year. A day-long symposium on the findings of the report, which was organized on Saturday, saw participation from experts across domains.

Prof Garg told TOI that along with the energy mix, the report also highlights the need for alternatives.

Experts also suggested that bamboo biochar could potentially serve as a substitute for imported coal in industries like steel production.

While biochar is currently three times more expensive than coal, support and research could bring the cost down for the eco-friendly material, they said. 

Some of the highlights of the report included a projection of 5,100 to 8,400 kilowatt hours per year in 2070 the year India aims to completely replace coal with other energy sources from 1,255 kWh per capita per year at present.

As of Jan 2023, India’s power generation capacity was 412 gigawatts (GW) with coal accounting for 51%, solar 15%, hydro 11% and wind 10% among other sources.

The report closely linked the human development index (HDI) and energy consumption.