Draft National Energy Policy, 2017

The National Energy Policy (NEP) aims to chart the way forward to meet the Government’s recent bold announcements in the energy domain.

Objectives: The four key objectives of the new energy policy are

1. ensuring access at affordable prices
2. improving energy security & reducing dependence on fossil fuels
3. Promoting greater sustainability & renewable energy
4. Ensuring sustained economic growth

Features: The NEP proposes actions to make India’s economy ‘energy ready’ in the year 2040.

• It foresees India’s power demand shooting up over four-fold.
• The draft policy has made a case for higher tax on big cars, SUVs and promotion of mass transport system like metro rail to improve air quality.
• The renewable energy mix by 2022 is targeted at 175 GW.
• There has been a mention on phasing out IC engine vehicles but not much emphasis has been given.