Mapping the resilience of renewable energy systems and assets in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan to extreme weather events
Climate hazards such as droughts, flood, and cyclones are becoming more severe and frequent, posing a threat to the resilience of renewable energy. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India, in collaboration with the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), conducted a study across four states in India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan) with a high percentage of wind and solar energy infrastructure. The study employed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report 5 (AR5) risk assessment framework.
Stakeholder consultation workshop on electric school buses
School buses are integral to the daily routine of students and faculty, as they enable vital and timely commutes between residences and educational institutions. Similar to many other Indian states, more than 85% of school buses in Kerala are diesel-run, resulting in adverse effects on children’s health (carcinogenic exhaust fumes) and serious climate and environmental consequences.
India’s pathway to net zero by 2070: status, challenges, and way forward
The announcement of India’s 2070 net-zero target has demonstrated the power of a credible policy signal and changed the course of India’s climate debate. While the Government of India (GoI) has not specified whether this target refers to carbon-dioxide or all greenhouse gases, the announcement has been a watershed moment in India’s climate policy. From questions related to whether and at what pace should India decarbonize its economy, various actors in India are now aligned towards this target.
Launch of the RTSE Tool for Chhattisgarh
CSTEP is currently working as a technical and knowledge partner for the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) to assist the DISCOM in achieving its 700 MW RTS target.
Policy Matters [July-September 2024]
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Nature-based solutions for climate adaptation in coastal urban areas
CSTEP is developing a comprehensive Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Feasibility Framework to enhance urban resilience against climate risks such as flooding, heatwaves, and storms. This project targets Chennai and Mangaluru, two cities at the opposite ends of the urbanisation spectrum. While Chennai, a densely urbanised metropolis, requires large-scale NbS interventions to address its severe climate risks, Mangaluru, a rapidly growing city, offers an opportunity to embed NbS early in its development to protect natural ecosystems.
Compendium: Nature-based solutions for climate adaptation in coastal urban areas
Coastal urban ecosystems are under siege from climate change, rapid urbanisation, and environmental degradation. These escalating pressures threaten the sustainability, resilience, and well-being of communities in these regions. Despite the transformative potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to combat these issues, their integration into urban planning and policy frameworks remains lacking owing to a persistent knowledge gap and ambiguity surrounding NbS concepts.
Addressing the gaps in PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
India launched a landmark scheme, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, in February this year, to support the uptake of rooftop solar photovoltaics (RTPVs) in the country. Under this scheme, residential households are eligible for a subsidy of INR 30,000 per kilowatt (kW) for the first 2 kW and INR 18,000 per kW for an additional capacity of up to 3 kW. With over 1.28 crore registrations and 14.84 lakh applications, the scheme has garnered remarkable interest as highlighted in the recent union budget.