Modelling Social and Economic Impacts of Zero-Carbon Transition of the Indian Electricity System

Abstract

This research develops an indigenous electricity system transition model that minimises total system economic costs while adhering to technical, resource, and emission constraints. The model was validated for Karnataka and scaled nationally across five geo-electrical zones to project zero-carbon electricity transition pathways to 2050. A novel framework identifies, classifies, and quantifies social and economic impacts of renewable energy transition along the coal-thermal value chain, including capital stranding and employment disruption. The findings offer a replicable framework for other coal-dependent economies, reinforcing that climate transition will succeed not when fastest, but when fairest.