India Energy 2010

In recent years, India’s energy consumption has been increasing at one of the fastest rates in the world due to population growth and economic development. Commercial primary energy consumption in India has grown by about 700% in the last four decades. The per capita consumption in India is in the region of 400 KWH per annum. Driven by the rising population, expanding economy and a quest for improved quality of life, energy usage in India is expected to grow at a exponential rate.

Despite the overall increase in energy demand, per capita energy consumption in India is still very low compared to other developing countries. Today, India has one of the highest potentials for the effective use of renewable energy. India is the world’s fifth largest producer of wind power after Denmark, Germany, Spain, and the USA. There is a significant potential in India for generation of power from renewable energy sources-, small hydro, biomass, and solar energy. The country has an estimated SHP (small-hydro power) potential of about 15000 MW.