The draft National Energy Policy (NEP) builds on the achievements of the Integrated Energy Policy of 2006 and has four key objectives of: Access at affordable prices; Improved security and Independence; Greater Sustainability; and Economic Growth. The NEP aims to chart the way forward to meet the Government’s recent bold announcements in the energy domain. All the Census villages are planned to be electrified by 2018, and universal electrification is to be achieved, with 24x7 electricity by 2022. The share of manufacturing in India's GDP is to go up to 25% from the present level of 16%, while the Ministry of Petroleum is targeting reduction of oil imports by 10% from 2014-15 levels, both by 2022. India's NDCs target at reduction of emissions intensity by 33%-35% by 2030 over 2005, achieving a 175 GW renewable energy capacity by 2022, and share of non-fossil fuel based capacity in the electricity mix is aimed at above 40% by 2030.
The NEP evaluates energy demand, discusses both fossil fuel based and non fossil fuel based energy sources, and outlines the facilitating mechanisms. For energy demand, the NEP evaluates various energy basket scenarios, and elaborates on the solutions needed to improve rural electrification, clean cooking access, and renewable electricity. For energy supply, the NEP discusses pricing and enabling private sector investment and competition in oil and gas and coal, and promotes hydro-power and nuclear energy. The NEP discusses how to develop the following aspects in relation to the energy sector: regulators; infrastructure; human resource; technology and RD; and overseas engagements.
NITI Aayog, which published the NEP, is a resource centre that provides strategic policy vision for the Indian government.
