India faces formidable challenges in meeting its energy needs and providing adequate and varied energy of desired quality to users in a sustainable manner and at reasonable costs. India needs economic growth for human development, which in turn requires access to clean, convenient and reliable energy for all. As we near the 8–10% growth rate that we aspire for, the quantity & quality of energy we need, will increase substantially. Thus the energy challenge is of fundamental importance. The nature and dimension of this challenge becomes clear when we look at the energy scene in the country today. This chapter lays out the contemporary energy scene, highlighting issues of concern, and then makes the case for an integrated Enengy Policies to address these.
