Located in the Indian state of Jharkhand, Jamshedpur is one of the largest cities in the state. Jamshedpur is a major industrial city primarily known for being home to Tata Steel, one of the largest steel manufacturing companies in the country. As the city continues to grow and develop, the demand for energy escalates. This essay explores the energy usage patterns in Jamshedpur, highlighting its sources and the need for sustainable practices to ensure a cleaner future.
Jharkhand is a coal-dependent state. Renewable energy accounts for a very small share of Jharkhand’s total energy production. Only 1.8% of the state’s installed total capacity of 2.5 GW is made up of renewable energy sources (RES). In 2019–20, Jharkhand generated a mere 0.07% of its total power from renewable sources.
Jamshedpur receives electricity from two primary sources, namely, Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Limited (formerly JUSCO), an enterprise of Tata Steel, and government-based power stations.
The main sources of energy production in Jamshedpur are as stated below-
- Thermal power → Several thermal power facilities in the area supply electricity to Jamshedpur. These facilities primarily rely on the burning of coal or gas to produce power. Companies like the Tata Power, Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Limited, and Damodar Valley Corporation contribute to the power supply in the region.
- Hydroelectric power → Several hydroelectric power plants in Jharkhand contribute to Jamshedpur’s electricity supply. Examples of dams that use water to generate electricity are the Maithon Dam and Panchet Dam. The presence of rivers and water bodies in the vicinity of Jamshedpur has made hydroelectric power a viable option. The Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers have the potential for small-scale hydroelectric projects, which can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Renewable energy → In India, reliance on renewable energy sources has grown in recent years. The use of renewable energy is growing in Jamshedpur as well. Solar energy is important, and solar panels are used to produce electricity from sunshine in industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Solar rooftop potential is over 1 GW in the city. The city has harnessed its potential for solar power generation, with solar panels installed on rooftops, commercial buildings, and even some public spaces. Wind power projects in nearby areas also contribute to the renewable energy mix.
- Waste-to-Energy → Waste management plays a crucial role in sustainable energy generation. Jamshedpur has implemented waste-to-energy projects that convert organic waste into biogas or electricity through processes like anaerobic digestion. Such initiatives reduce landfill dependency and provide a renewable energy source.
Currently coal based thermal power accounts for over 69 percent of the total capacity of energy consumed in the city.
The following describes the pattern of energy usage in Jmashepur and a view of sector-wise consumption of electricity.
- Industrial Consumption: As an industrial city, Jamshedpur’s energy usage is primarily driven by its manufacturing sector, especially steel and related industries. These energy-intensive processes, including smelting, refining, and manufacturing, demand a substantial amount of electricity and thermal energy.
- Residential Sector: The growing population and urbanization have led to increased energy consumption in the residential sector. The usage includes electricity for lighting, heating, cooling, and household appliances. The city’s residential areas require efficient energy management practices and the promotion of energy-saving technologies.
- Commercial and Institutional Buildings: Jamshedpur’s commercial sector, consisting of offices, hotels, malls, and educational institutions, contributes significantly to energy consumption. Emphasizing energy-efficient infrastructure and promoting the use of smart technologies can lead to substantial energy savings in these buildings.
- Transportation: The transportation sector plays a vital role in energy usage patterns. Private vehicles, public transport systems, and logistics contribute to fuel consumption and emissions. Encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs), improving public transportation, and adopting eco-friendly transportation initiatives are essential for a sustainable future.
To ensure a sustainable and greener future, Jamshedpur must focus on the following measures:
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Increasing the capacity of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can reduce the city’s dependence on fossil fuels. Incentives and policies to attract investments in renewable energy projects should be implemented.
- Energy Efficiency Measures: Encouraging energy-efficient practices in industries, buildings, and households can significantly reduce energy consumption. This includes promoting LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and insulation and adopting smart grids to optimize energy distribution.
- Public Awareness and Education: Creating awareness about energy conservation, sustainable practices, and the benefits of renewable energy among the residents of Jamshedpur is crucial. Educational programs, campaigns, and community engagement initiatives can play a vital role in fostering sustainable energy habits.
