Energy transition roadmap and policy pathways for India

This seminar presents my research on energy policy focuses on two broad issues 1. Advancing Indias climate commitments of transition to a low-carbon economy in a timely and cost-effective manner. 2. Planning an energy transition that is affordable, inclusive, and secure. India is at the forefront of global climate mitigation, having committed to carbon neutrality by 2070 and reducing the emission intensity of its GDP by 47% by 2035. Indian industrial sector is the second-largest emitter, contributing 22% of the national emissions. Within industry, the iron and steel sector alone accounts for 45% of industrial emissions and 10% of Indias total emissions. Previous policies (PAT) showed only the modest improvement in energy efficiency of Steel Industries and the emission reduction targets set by the current policy (CCTS) are not sufficient to achieve Indias NDC of 47% reduction in emission intensity by 2035. It suggests that a revised framework is needed, which can bridge these emission gaps, while remain economically viable for the steel plants. In line with this, the first question of my research focuses on suggesting the effective policy measures for decarbonization of Indian Steel Industry. It starts with developing the standardized way of measuring and reporting emissions, assessing techno-economic viability of various mitigation measures, including biochar, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, renewable energy, followed by developing policy scenarios for motivating and enforcing steel plants towards adoption of mitigation measures (Biochar, Green hydrogen, Energy efficiency). The outcomes can help in achieving Indias NDC climate commitments on time. The designed framework is replicable across other hard-to-abate Indian industries, supporting faster and more credible progress toward national and sectoral targets. The second research question focuses on clean energy transition, circular economy and inclusion of local communities in energy planning. As a country, we are dependent on China and other nations for supply of critical minerals, coke, crude oil, gas etc. Our energy security lies in effectively utilizing our own resources i.e., using agri-residues for making various energy sources (electricity, charcoal, ethanol), developing our own solar panels (Perovskite PV) using locally available technology and minerals, and understanding what is required at the local level i.e., how communities can adopt the modern and advanced energy technologies. In line with this, my research provides the solution for strengthening Indias supply chain by focusing on circular economy modeling, improving cost-effectiveness of renewable energy, specially bioenergy and conducting field survey for understanding the factors that can improve the adoption of new energy technologies on ground by local communities. The proposed policy measures can help in addressing Indias energy security and lead to energy transition in a time-effective manner.