The Indian power sector - a sustainable way forward

An economic growth and ability to handle global competition is all dependent on availability, reliability and quality of the power sector. From a meager 1,362 MW in 1947, India has grown to generate 1,55,860 MW in 2009, still this is not enough to keep pace with the demand and India continue to have peak power deficit of around 13.8 percent and energy shortage of about 10.9 percent. This paper discusses needs, challenges and constraints particular to India and suggests strategies which aim to contribute to such planning process that may evolve into a sustainable and equitable energy policy of India.