New Delhi, Aug 28 (KNN) NITI Aayog launched the second version of the India Energy Security Scenarios 2047 calculator (IESS 2047), an open source Web-based tool which can be used to explore different energy scenarios.

The tool aims to scan a range of potential future energy scenarios for India for diverse energy demand and supply sectors leading up to 2047, NITI Aayog said in a statement.

The energy supply sectors in focus are solar, wind, bio fuels, oil and gas, coal and nuclear power and the demand sectors include transport, industry, agriculture, cooking and lighting appliances.

The model allows users to interactively make energy choices and explore a range of outcomes for the country -- from carbon dioxide emissions and import dependence to land use.

The tool was unveiled by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Pangariya in the national capital on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Panagariya said, "The IESS 2047 calculator has already been playing an instrumental role in shaping India's energy policy... With the launch of the second version, one can look forward to a more comprehensive policy discourse on India's future energy planning by policy makers, academicians, private sector and other stakeholders."

It will support the government's vision of achieving power for all and 175 GW of renewables by 2022, rural electrification and reducing import dependency.

The purpose of IESS is to engage various stakeholders in energy planning and facilitate informed debate at different levels.

This instrument allows the user develop a secure future pathway and suggest current policy interventions for the same. It has been developed in consultations with multiple stakeholders such as think-tanks, industry bodies and research organisations.

The UK Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is the initiative partner with NITI Aayog in this project.

More than 20 countries have now developed their own energy/climate calculators such as China, Bangladesh and South Africa, the statement added. (KNN Bureau)