India's Ambitious Move to Become a Global Electro-Tech Leader: WEF Insights
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) India is establishing itself as a prominent global hub for electro-technical manufacturing, aiming for energy independence, as highlighted in a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The report indicates that while India paves the way for a promising energy future, other developing markets are closely observing its progress.
New Delhi is carving out a novel trajectory, focusing on affordable solar energy and batteries instead of relying on fossil fuels. This strategic shift allows India to avoid the fossil fuel path that the West and China have taken, according to the findings.
In 2012, China's solar output was minimal, with coal demand remaining robust. In contrast, by 2025, India is projected to derive 9 percent of its electricity from solar sources and utilize only about a quarter of the coal per capita compared to China, nearing its peak coal generation.
India's road oil consumption stands at 96 liters per capita, half of China's figures during a similar developmental phase, and is not expected to increase significantly.
According to the report, electric vehicles (EVs) are approaching 5 percent of total car sales, with three-wheelers leading globally as electric variants near 60 percent of the market share.
Additionally, electricity now constitutes nearly 20 percent of final energy, matching China's levels at similar income stages and competing with advanced economies.
The report reveals that when China surpassed 1,500 kWh of electricity consumption per person, coal was ten times more affordable than solar. Now, as India reaches the same consumption level, solar combined with storage is priced at half that of new coal.
This policy-driven initiative is triggering a manufacturing surge, with the electronics sector expanding nearly six-fold over the last decade to reach $130 billion, serving as the gateway to electro-tech.
Technological advancements from smartphone production are benefiting solar panels, batteries, and EVs.
Moreover, solar module production has increased twelve-fold to 120 GW, ensuring self-sufficiency, while cell manufacturing, which was virtually non-existent a decade ago, has achieved 18 GW.
Battery and EV manufacturing are also progressing rapidly. The report concludes that India is set to become a key supplier of electro-tech globally.