INSA Proposes Unified Energy Policy Framework for India's Energy Transition

The Hindu - Opinion · 2 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Current affairs Mains · GS3 Environment and biodiversity High relevance

The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) has proposed a unified national energy policy framework to align India's diverse energy resources and institutions towards achieving energy self-reliance by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

Key points

Indian National Science Academy (INSA) released a policy brief advocating for a unified energy framework to address India's complex energy challenges, including import dependence, rising demand, and sustainability goals.

The framework is built on four pillars: adequacy (reliable energy supply), access (equitable energy services), affordability (economic viability), and appropriate sustainability (context-specific solutions).

Renewable energy capacity has grown from 40 GW in 2015 to 260 GW in 2025, showcasing India's commitment to diversifying its energy mix.

[GS3-Economy] The framework emphasizes innovative financing mechanisms and efficient markets to ensure affordability, crucial for India's economic growth and industrial competitiveness.

Circular economy practices and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) are identified as cross-cutting enablers to complement renewable energy deployment.

The policy brief highlights the need for phased implementation, with near-term focus on infrastructure strengthening and renewable energy acceleration, and long-term emphasis on low-carbon technologies.

[GS2-Governance] The framework calls for greater coordination among generation, transmission, storage, and distribution sectors, addressing institutional inertia in India's energy transition.

This connects to GS3-Environment as it aligns with India's commitments under the Paris Agreement and its net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Way Forward: India should establish a centralized energy planning body, enhance inter-ministerial coordination, and incentivize private sector participation in renewable energy and CCUS technologies.

Key terms

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

A technology to capture CO2 emissions from industrial processes and either reuse or store them underground. For UPSC, it is crucial for India's net-zero strategy and industrial decarbonization, particularly in coal-dependent sectors.

Energy Self-Reliance

The goal of meeting a nation's energy needs through domestic resources. For UPSC, this is a strategic objective under Atmanirbhar Bharat, reducing import dependence and enhancing energy security.

Net-Zero Emissions

Achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere. For UPSC, this is central to India's climate commitments under international agreements like the Paris Accord.

Indian National Science Academy (INSA)

A premier scientific body in India that advises the government on science and technology policy. For UPSC, it is significant as it shapes national policies on critical areas like energy, aligning scientific research with developmental goals.