Storage
CSTEP’s storage programme has two verticals: 1) techno-economic analysis of various storage systems along with policy aspects, and 2) research and development (R&D) of novel electrode and electrolyte materials for state-of-the-art and emerging battery systems using computer simulation techniques.
The activities pertaining to techno-economic analyses include storage sizing for renewable applications, prioritisation of storage options for various applications relating to clean energy and transport, feasibility analyses of indegenisation of select battery systems, etc.
Mini-grids
Energy access is a well-proven determinant in several development and transformative sectors, such as education, primary health, gender empowerment, and quality of life. In India, providing access to affordable electricity to every household has been a challenge, especially in remote rural areas. Both the central and state governments have accorded high priority to last-mile electrification, with one such instance being the Saubhagya scheme aiming for 100% household electrification.
Research Tools
CSTEP’s core competence lies in developing and applying modelling and simulation tools for policy analysis and research. CSTEP develops computational, visualisation and methodological tools for examining potential solutions to complex policy problems.
These tools are developed with an India-specific focus to aid in performing broad cross-sectoral analyses. It blends the rigour of process engineering models along with India-specific financial models to assist a wide host of stakeholders such as researchers, policymakers and investors.
Materials and Storage
CSTEP’s Materials and Storage programme focuses on the policy aspects of various storage options and simulation studies of emerging battery systems. We also work in topics such as electric vehicles and mini-grids, where ‘storage’ plays a crucial role for successful implementation of programmes.
Air Pollution
CSTEP’s vision for the Air Pollution domain is to be the sought-after centre for providing evidence backed implementable measures for better air quality. We are working towards building scientific evidence for informed decision making in this sector.
Urban Development
CSTEP’s research in the Urban Development domain strives to help cities become resilient in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We examine scalable and sustainable solutions for urban problems, through application of Urban Analytics. We help governments and stakeholders strategise solutions to challenges in urban planning and service delivery. Our research focuses on:
Artificial Intelligence for Development
CSTEP, as a technology-policy think tank, has adopted AI as a strategic initiative for the purpose of social development. Technology companies, governments, and social organisations are all looking at AI with interest. We have identified four sectors for immediate focus: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Defence. CSTEP is working on several solutions involving AI and other complementary technologies in these sectors.
Transport
In the Transport domain, we examine policies and strategies for sustainable mobility solutions. Broad areas of work include public transport, multi-modal transport integration, low-carbon mobility, and new and emerging disruptive technologies.
Climate and Energy Policy
Under its Climate and Energy Policy Domain, CSTEP has focussed on understanding policy implications for low-carbon transitions and the role of energy technologies in minimising environmental externalities such as air pollution. CSTEP has undertaken interdisciplinary studies for low-carbon growth at national and regional levels using The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES) modelling, emission inventory assessments, cost-benefit and techno-economic analyses frameworks.