India’s Power Sector: The ‘Current’ State of Affairs

Today, India is a power surplus nation with an installed generation capacity of 452 gigawatts. Even then, power shortages frequently occur in rural and urban regions. The total energy demand in India is set to increase by nearly 35% by 2035 in the STEPS, and electricity generation capacity nearly tripled to 1400 gigawatts. Hence, initiatives are being taken to bring about comprehensive reforms in the power sector. These are aimed at attracting investments in the sector and thus turning it into an efficient and sustainable industry.

Why isn’t the United States Using its Oil Reserves?

The United States’ oil reserves, particularly the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), have played a crucial role in the nation’s energy security strategy since its establishment in 1975. The SPR, located in underground storage facilities in Texas and Louisiana, serves as a vital emergency stockpile of hundreds of millions of barrels of oil, ready to be utilised in times of crisis. Over the years, the U.S. government has maintained this reserve to shield the country from energy disruptions caused by various events, such as natural disasters, military conflicts and geopolitical tensions.