Prioritizing Energy Efficiency to Achieve India's Decarbonization and Net-Zero Goals
Despite rapid renewable growth, India's grid emission factor (GEF) has increased, indicating a dirtier grid due to the capacity-generation mismatch of renewables. Solar and wind have low capacity utilization (15-25%) compared to coal. The article argues that energy efficiency is the 'first fuel' and must be prioritized to actually decarbonize the grid. India saved about 200 million tonnes of oil equivalent between FY2017-18 and FY2022-23 through efficiency measures, saving ₹7,60,000 crore. Recommendations include enabling virtual power plants, accelerating appliance standards, and introducing scrapage incentives for old, inefficient equipment to manage peak demand effectively.
Key Points
- India's grid emission factor (GEF) has risen from 0.703 to 0.727 tCO2/MWh, showing the grid is becoming more carbon-intensive despite renewable growth.
- Renewables like solar and wind have low capacity utilization (15-25%), requiring fossil fuel plants to act as 'shock absorbers' during peak demand.
- Energy efficiency measures saved India approximately 200 million tonnes of oil equivalent and ₹7.6 lakh crore over a five-year period.
- The Central Electricity Authority projects a fall in GEF to 0.548 by 2026-27 through better efficiency and system flexibility.
Exam Facts
- India's grid emission factor (GEF) increased to 0.727 tCO2/MWh in 2023-24.
- Energy efficiency saved ₹7,60,000 crore in India from FY2017-18 to FY2022-23.
- Non-fossil fuel sources account for about 50% of India's total installed capacity as of June 2025.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.