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. The team has experience and expertise in handling and processing data in the energy sector from national and international sources, and is well acquainted with greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement mechanisms and reporting methodologies (including IPCC 2006). We work closely with government stakeholders at national, state and city levels for energy sector planning, state level roadmaps and capacity-building on energy-emissions analysis.
The team’s vision is to examine pathways for a low-carbon future for India. CSTEP believes that India’s Climate and Energy Policy decisions should emerge from sustainable development policies and measures (SDPAM), rather than a focus on greenhouse gas emission reductions. We envision that policy decisions made on the basis of detailed analysis will enable India’s progression on sustainable development pathways and curb GHG emissions. The issues being considered are as follows:
(i)The dynamic structure of our economy and consumption drivers
(ii)The role of transformative technologies
(iii)Technology and resource constraints