Report on India’s Energy Statistics Framework

Context

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Expert Committee on Energy Statistics report. Chaired by Dr. Rangan Banerjee (Director, IIT Delhi), the committee recommended reforms to strengthen energy data systems and support evidence-based policymaking and India's Net-Zero goals.

About the News

• The Baseline:
   India's energy data is primarily compiled through MoSPI's annual Energy Statistics India publication.
• The Problem:
   The committee found major data gaps, inconsistent definitions across ministries, and inadequate coverage of renewable energy and electric mobility.
• Committee Composition:
   The panel included representatives from key energy ministries and experts from TERI and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).

Key Data Gaps Identified

• The Biofuel Blindspot

Biofuels, including firewood, dung cakes, crop residues, and refined biofuels, account for 31–34% of India's primary energy use. However, India lacks an official database and relies on United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD) estimates.

• Coal Misclassification

Imported and commercially auctioned coal contributes nearly 20% of national consumption but is often recorded under miscellaneous categories instead of sector-wise use.

• Unmeasured Captive Power

Electricity generated by industries for self-consumption (captive power) is largely excluded from national electricity statistics.

• Transport Sector EV Demand Gap

Electricity used by electric vehicles (EVs) is merged with general electricity consumption, making transport-sector demand difficult to estimate.

Major Recommendations

Global Alignment

Adopt international classification systems for energy data:

• ISIC Rev. 5
• NIC-2025
• SIEC

Methodological Consistency

• Uniform Conversion Factors: All ministries should use MoSPI's common energy conversion standards.
• Calorific Standardization: Standardize coal Gross Calorific Value (GCV) measurement at the loading/dispatch point.

Industrial Asset Mapping

• Leverage the ASI Network: Use the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) to track imported and auctioned coal consumption.
• Efficiency Benchmarking: Expand the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) database under the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme for industry-wise energy data.

Subnational Governance

Publish annual State and Union Territory Energy Statistics to support decentralized energy planning.

Conclusion

The Dr. Rangan Banerjee Committee highlights the need to modernize India's energy data systems. Addressing gaps in biofuels, coal, captive power, and EVs will improve policymaking and strengthen India's transition towards a sustainable, Net-Zero economy.