Shifting towards renewable energy is key to addressing India's challenges of climate change and energy security, without compromising on developmental aspirations. CSTEP is working on the two paths of increasing the use of clean energy and reduction of energy wastage to achieve this objective. Our work involves finding clean (and cost-effective) energy solutions for industries, developing innovative models for solar energy generation, and collaborating with policymakers on implementation strategies for renewables.
Distributed solar: The future of energy resilience in urban India
The urban population in India—the world’s most populous country—is expected to reach 675 million by 2035 as per the World Cities Report 2022 by UN-Habitat. As most commercial and industrial activities occur in urban areas and electricity is a major factor for development, this population increase will fuel a surge in electricity demand, leading to acute pressure on traditional energy grids and frequent blackouts.
Distributed solar financing: Unlocking investments for a greener future
The proliferation of distributed solar energy in India faces significant challenges, primarily due to the high initial investment costs of setting up a solar energy system. Also, the motivation to invest in these solutions is often found lacking, despite government subsidy schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) and the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Unlocking the potential of Component A of PM-KUSUM
The 2019 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme aims to enhance energy security for farmers, while promoting the use of renewable energy (RE) in the agriculture sector. Of its three components, Component A focuses on the installation of decentralised grid-connected RE-based power plants, with capacities ranging from 500 kW to 2 MW, by farmers on their land. The component can provide an additional, stable stream of income to farmers through the provision of selling the excess electricity generated to the grid.
Budgeting for net zero: Government support needed to meet India’s clean energy goals
The Government of India has set ambitious goals to ramp up a range of clean technologies by 2030 to increase energy independence, security, and access while promoting industrial development and reducing air pollution and GHG emissions. To deliver on these goals, the government has introduced a suite of financial and non-financial support measures. But will these measures be sufficient to reach the goals in full and on time?