Energy for sustainable development

Abstract

Conventional projection-driven approaches which measure development in terms of energy consumption are failing due to rising economic costs and growing environmental degradation. However, a new paradigm for energy is emerging in which the level of energy services is the true indicator of development. Least-cost planning suggests that conservation may have to be the first option, decentralised renewable sources, the next option, and conventional centralised supplies, energy sources of the last resort. Using this paradigm, Karnataka's electricity future appears far brighter than it does to the supply-siders. Thus, energy futures are more a matter of choice than of destiny.