Energy policy and planning in India

Following the increasing trend in energy prices since 1973, as energy sectors and other economic sectors compete for the limited investible resources in the developing countries, increasing energy import and development costs might constrain their economic growth rate in the foreseeable future. India, as one of the largest developing countries with limited petroleum resources and a large population yet to cross the threshold level of energy consumption needed for economic well-being, is also undergoing increasing economic strains imposed by the energy crisis.The current energy situation in India, the future prospects and the policy issues in the energy and nonenergy sectors having direct impact on the energy situation, are discussed in this presentation. The paper gives an account of the past energy planning studies in India, energy resources and past trends of energy consumption. Energy demand forecasts based on a reference level and an optimal level scenarios as determined by the recent study by the Working Group on Energy Policy appointed by the Government of India are presented. The paper concludes with the presentation of an Energy-Economic Modeling framework for analyzing energy policy and development plans within a macroeconomic planning framework.