Empirical investigation and validation of sustainability indicators for the assessment of energy sources in India

Continuously increasing population, industrialization and urbanization drastically lead to the destruction of natural resources and fossil fuels. Therefore, for energy security and a clean environment, there arises a need to tap sustainable energy sources on a large scale. The evaluation of sustainable energy sources depends on sustainability indicators. To know the indicators from the Indian perspective, the present work initially identifies the indicators through a literature survey and discussions with experts. Further, a survey needs to be conducted to identify the effective criteria from Indian perspectives. For the survey, 93 indicators are categorized into 15 main factors. Academicians, environment experts, industry experts, experts from NGO, engineers, and investors from India are selected to give their opinions about the importance of the indicators according to their usability, practices and relevancy from Indian perspectives. The survey results are then ranked the indicators from highly unsuitable to highly suitable category based on the sustainability importance index (SII). The present study results on twenty-six highly suitable indicators only. These indicators are mainly corresponding to the economic, technical, environmental, social, political, and flexible factors. The analytically and statistically validated sustainability indicators are further employed for the evaluation of most sustainable energy sources in India. The outcome of this study will be helpful for the policy and decision makers, to formulate diverse energy strategies which in turn will contribute for sustainable development of the country.

Automated summary

This study explores sustainable energy indicators and evaluation methods in India, identifying relevant indicators through literature surveys and expert discussions, followed by surveys and rankings leading to 26 highly suitable energy indicators. These indicators cover economic, technical, environmental, social, political, and flexible factors, aiding India in formulating sustainable development policies and diverse energy strategies.