Which of the following is considered as a "Critical feature" of India's energy sector?

Import dependence on crude and petroleum products

The correct answer is option 1:Import dependence on crude and petroleum products

India's import dependence on crude and petroleum products is a critical feature of its energy sector. India imports a significant portion of its crude oil, which makes it vulnerable to global price fluctuations and energy security issues.This dependence underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The other options, while relevant to the energy sector, are not as critical:

• Growing private participation in solar and wind power is important but not considered a critical challenge.
• Increased consumption of thermal power highlights an ongoing reliance on fossil fuels but is part of broader energy consumption trends.
• Environmental consequences of hydropower projects are a concern, but they are specific to certain regions and not as central to India's overall energy challenges as import dependence on crude oil.

"In India, commercial energy consumption makes up about 74 per cent of the total energy consumed in India. This includes coal and lignite with the largest share of 74 per cent, followed by oil at 10 per cent, natural gas at 9 per cent, hydro and other new and renewable energy at 7 per cent. Non-commercial energy sources consisting of firewood, cow dung and agricultural wastes account for over 26 per cent of the total energy consumption. The critical feature of India’s energy sector, and its linkages to the economy, is the import dependence on crude and petroleum products, which is likely to grow rapidly in the near future."