Northern India's Path to Energy Security Through Renewables

India has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, with the country’s total renewable energy capacity surpassing 200 GW. This progress is a testament to India’s commitment to achieving 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030, aligning with global sustainability goals and reinforcing energy security.

Energy security is not just a policy objective but a fundamental driver of economic growth and sustainability. The ability of states to meet their energy demands through reliable, affordable, and clean sources determines their long-term development trajectory.

To analyze the current status of energy security comprehensively, this article adopts a zonal approach, using the classification set by the Ministry of Home Affairs. India is divided into six zonal councils: Northern, Western, Central, Eastern, Southern, and Northeastern. This series of six articles will examine energy security within each zone, focusing on state-wise assessments under their respective zonal groupings.

This article delves into the Northern Zone, comprising Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. By evaluating the energy landscape of these states, including their renewable energy potential and infrastructure, we aim to provide insights that can guide policymakers, businesses, and investors in making strategic energy decisions. The data is drawn from Lok Sabha answers and the Reserve Bank of India for the financial year 2023-24, ensuring that our analysis remains relevant and up to date.

Energy Demand and Supply Landscape

Power Requirement and Demand-Supply Gap

Energy demand in the Northern Zone varies significantly across states. Rajasthan, owing to its size and economic activities, has the highest power requirement, followed by Punjab and Haryana. Himachal Pradesh, with its smaller population and lower industrial demand, has the lowest power requirement in the region.

However, ensuring that demand is met is crucial for economic growth. Data indicates that Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi meet their energy demands fully. In contrast, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) face shortfalls. Haryana, in particular, had an unmet demand of 244 MW in 2023-24, indicating the need for investment in power generation and distribution infrastructure.

Per Capita Power Availability

Another critical metric for assessing energy security is per capita power availability. Haryana emerges as the leader in this regard, despite its demand-supply mismatch, highlighting the uneven distribution of energy resources. While overall demand and supply figures may appear balanced in certain states, ensuring equitable access to energy remains a challenge. States must invest in transmission and distribution networks to improve energy accessibility.

Installed Power Capacity and the Role of Renewables

Installed Power Capacity

Installed power capacity is a measure of a state’s self-reliance in energy generation. Rajasthan leads with the highest installed power capacity in the Northern Zone, followed by Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. On the lower end, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh each have around 4,000 MW of installed capacity.

Renewable Energy in the Power Mix

Renewable energy is increasingly contributing to the overall installed capacity in these states. Rajasthan stands out with the highest installed renewable capacity, with nearly 80% coming from solar energy. The state’s climate and geography make it ideal for large-scale solar and wind projects. Himachal Pradesh is another standout case, with renewable energy—primarily hydropower—exceeding its non-renewable capacity. This highlights the state’s leadership in sustainable energy development.

However, other states in the Northern Zone have a long way to go in expanding their renewable energy share. Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi have renewable energy capacities that are significantly lower than their non-renewable counterparts. Policy support and investment incentives are necessary to accelerate the transition in these states.

Path Towards Sustainability: State-Specific Insights

Delhi: Leading in Rooftop Solar

Delhi, as the national capital, faces unique challenges in large-scale energy generation. However, rooftop solar installations offer a viable pathway toward sustainability. In 2023-24, Delhi’s rooftop solar capacity stood at 281.08 MW, making up the bulk of its total solar energy generation. Scaling up rooftop installations can further strengthen the city’s energy security.