Encouraging the use of products for as long as possible does more than optimizing the use of natural resources. It can support sustainable innovation and efficiency, and do so without diminishing the profitability of businesses.
The renewable energy sector is steadily adding jobs, and this trend is likely to continue, say researchers. But women's participation in this workforce is low, and financing difficulties need to be overcome.
The numerous wind farms in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu have clearly changed the rhythms of life here. The benefits and drawbacks are inter-twined, and people have mixed feelings about them.
The so-called 'carbon neutrality' pledges many countries are making should include details and be given tight accounting norms. Additionally, high emitters should face stricter norms and earlier timelines.
Apart from the loss of their habitat, migratory birds face a new threat from the growing number of renewable energy projects. The Great Indian Bustard has seen its numbers drop precipitously.
The decision is neither straightforward nor uniform. A nuanced view is needed to select the ones that can be closed profitably, and more importantly to stop too many new ones coming up.
Power connections are now available across rural India. However, there is still a lot to be done before villagers reliably get uninterrupted electricity that can help them live and work better.
In climate-vulnerable areas, the solutions proposed for electricity supply to development facilities must include technical, economic and organisational considerations.
The energy-mobility landscape is transitioning to renewables and electric vehicles. But public finances are highly reliant on the fossil fuels economy. Excerpts from a discussion of the challenges this poses.
Electricity regulators have been effective in instituting online facilities to conduct hearings remotely. With more steps, virtual processes could improve participation in normal times too.
The distribution of LPG to rural households is far from satisfactory. A comprehensive review of the performance and accountability of different institutions in the supply chain is needed.
Is India likely to hit the ambitious targets set for the growth of renewable power generation? A compilation of data from different sources by the Prayas Energy Group shows what's working well and where greater efforts are needed.
Given the changing landscape of energy production and consumption in the country, splitting Coal India into smaller entities can only be successful if a number of other steps are also taken, according to a recent Brookings Institution report.
Large customers are opting for direct access from producers, and those in the middle are looking for decentralised storage and consumption. Between these forces, the old distribution business faces serious risk.
As the share of renewable energy rises, it brings with it new challenges. Going forward, the management of surplus power will be critical, says a new report from the Brookings Institute.
India Together is published with support from Oorvani Foundation.
