Power Resources in India – UPSC & SSC Exam Notes | JKSSB Mock Test
⚡ Power Resources in India
🔹 Introduction
Power or energy is the backbone of economic development. India’s energy sector is diverse and includes both conventional (coal, oil, gas) and non-conventional (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear) sources. The government is working toward sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy for all under its “Power for All” mission.
🔹 Classification of Power Resources
- Conventional: Coal, Oil, Natural Gas, Hydropower
- Non-Conventional (Renewable): Solar, Wind, Biomass, Tidal, Geothermal
🔹 Installed Power Capacity (2024)
| Source | Installed Capacity (in GW) | % Share |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | 211 GW | ~48% |
| Renewables (Solar, Wind, etc.) | 133 GW | ~30% |
| Hydropower | 47 GW | ~11% |
| Nuclear | 7 GW | ~2% |
| Gas | 25 GW | ~6% |
🔹 Coal – The Mainstay
- India has the 5th largest coal reserves in the world.
- Major coal fields: Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal.
- Used primarily in thermal power plants.
- Challenges: pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation.
🔹 Hydroelectric Power
- Clean and renewable energy source.
- India ranks among top 10 hydro producers globally.
- Major dams: Bhakra Nangal (Sutlej), Tehri (Bhagirathi), Hirakud (Mahanadi).
- Issues: displacement, ecological damage, seasonal variability.
🔹 Nuclear Power
- Highly efficient – small fuel, large output.
- Managed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL).
- Important plants: Tarapur (Maharashtra), Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Rawatbhata (Rajasthan).
- Fuel used: Uranium and Thorium.
🔹 Renewable Energy – Future of India
- Solar Energy: Huge potential – Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
- Wind Energy: Coastal states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka.
- Biomass: Crop waste, cattle dung, bio-gas units in rural India.
- Hydrogen & Tidal: Still emerging; pilot projects underway.
🔹 Major Renewable Energy Schemes
- National Solar Mission – 100 GW solar target by 2030.
- KUSUM Scheme – Solar pumps for farmers.
- International Solar Alliance (ISA) – India-led initiative for global cooperation.
🔹 State-wise Power Generation (Top States)
| State | Main Source | Special Mention |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Thermal | Maximum installed capacity |
| Gujarat | Renewable + Thermal | Leader in solar & wind |
| Tamil Nadu | Wind + Thermal | Top wind power producer |
| Karnataka | Hydro + Solar | High solar capacity |
| Chhattisgarh | Coal | Core coal-based power |
🔹 Challenges in Power Sector
- Dependence on imported fuels (LNG, uranium).
- Transmission & distribution losses – around 20% in some states.
- Underutilization of renewable potential.
- Environmental concerns from thermal plants.
- Land acquisition and displacement issues in hydro/nuclear projects.
🔹 Important One-Liners for Exams
- Largest thermal power plant in India: Vindhyachal (MP)
- India’s first nuclear plant: Tarapur, Maharashtra
- Leading solar state: Rajasthan
- Top wind energy producer: Tamil Nadu
- Largest dam for hydropower: Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand)
🔹 Previous Year Questions (UPSC, SSC, JKSSB)
- Q: Which state has the highest installed solar capacity?
👉 A: Rajasthan ✅ - Q: Tehri dam is on which river?
👉 A: Bhagirathi ✅ - Q: What is the main fuel used in nuclear power plants?
👉 A: Uranium ✅ - Q: Vindhyachal power plant is in which state?
👉 A: Madhya Pradesh ✅
🔹 People Also Ask (FAQs)
- Q: What is India’s total installed power capacity?
A: Around 440 GW (2024) - Q: Is solar cheaper than coal?
A: Yes, in many cases now. - Q: Which agency handles nuclear energy in India?
A: NPCIL - Q: Which state is 100% renewable powered?
A: Sikkim (mainly hydro)
🖚 Conclusion
India’s power sector is undergoing a massive transformation with a focus on sustainability, energy security, and affordability. From coal-rich belts to solar parks and nuclear hubs, India is expanding its energy basket to meet future demand and become a global renewable leader. Prepare well with these facts for SSC, UPSC, and JKSSB exams!
