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The India Energy Hour Presented by 101Reporters

The India Energy Hour Presented by 101Reporters

By 101Reporters

The India Energy Hour podcast features in-depth conversations with leading energy, development & climate experts from academia, civil society, & the government. Through these interviews, we explore Indian energy transitions’ most pressing hurdles & promising opportunities. We look at the role that government, financial markets, social movements, & science plays in transition. Co-hosted by Shreya Jai, a leading energy & climate change reporter and Sandeep Pai, an energy transition researcher & author. The show is produced by Tejas Dayananda Sagar. Contact us at: theindiaenergyhour@gmail.com
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The Grand Energy Access Challenge: India's Journey & Path Ahead | Episode 7

The India Energy Hour Presented by 101ReportersJun 02, 2021

00:00
01:25:30
Going off grid: Greening India's power needs | ft. Dr. Debajit Palit
Mar 18, 202401:06:11
Get Ready for India's Clean Energy Boom: Hitting the 2030 Target | ft. Vibhuti Garg
Feb 26, 202446:09
Gazing into the Crystal Ball: What's next for India's energy transition?
Jan 18, 202452:45
COP28: Hits, Misses and Vested Interests | ft. Jacob Koshy
Dec 26, 202301:09:35
State of the Indian Energy Transition | ft. Aditya Ramji
Nov 30, 202301:00:02
Energy Transition: 1 Nation, 28 Pathways | ft. Ann Josey & Rohit Chandra

Energy Transition: 1 Nation, 28 Pathways | ft. Ann Josey & Rohit Chandra

India's energy transition currently comprises a set of ambitious targets, the pathway for which is yet to be designed. 

While at the Central level, there are a variety of policies, the real challenge lies in their execution. And at the execution level there are at least 28 different clogs to be taken care of. 

States will need to play a larger role if India has to effectively meet its energy transition goals while being in sync with economic growth. Coal rich states face the challenge of transitioning away from an existing socio-economic framework built over fossil fuels. Non coal ones need to plan for a greener future. And both sets need to have an economic adaptation plan in place for future climate risks. 

To unfold this complexity of India's energy transition, we talked with Ann Josey, Fellow at Prayas, and Rohit Chandra, Assistant Professor at IIT Delhi.

Both Ann and Rohit study different aspects of Indian policymaking with focus on the energy sector and government institutions -  both at the Central and State level.



Suggested Readings:


Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi

Presented by 101Reporters

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Guests: Ann Josey, Fellow at Prayas, and  Rohit Chandra, Assistant Professor at IIT Delhi

Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin

Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

Nov 21, 202301:14:08
From Star Rating to Efficient Fans: Why Energy Efficiency Matters? | ft. Saurabh Kumar

From Star Rating to Efficient Fans: Why Energy Efficiency Matters? | ft. Saurabh Kumar

Energy efficiency in India has become an important focus due to the country's growing energy demands, environmental concerns, and the need to reduce energy costs. Several initiatives and policies have been put in place to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors in India.

In this episode, we interviewed Saurabh Kumar, India Head of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), who had a remarkable career in the energy efficiency space. He has previously worked with Energy Efficiency Services Limited as Executive Vice Chairperson and was appointed as Secretary of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). He delves into the role of energy efficiency in India's energy transition and the future of sustainable solutions.

Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi


Presented by 101Reporters

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Saurabh Kumar is on Twitter & Linkedin

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Oct 30, 202352:39
Coding Climate Action: Can AI save the Earth? | ft. Himanshu Gupta
Oct 16, 202301:14:14
How Green is your Money? | ft. Akshat Rathi
Oct 03, 202359:49
India's G20 Presidency: Navigating Complex Geopolitical Waters | ft. Swati D'Souza
Sep 19, 202357:52
India's G20 Presidency: Balancing Energy Security and Climate Goals | ft. Arunabha Ghosh
Sep 04, 202352:52
G20 Special: Will India change the tone for Global Energy Transition? | ft. Sudarshan Varadhan
Aug 10, 202301:02:28
Tailor Fit Green Energy | ft. Vivek Subramanian
Jul 21, 202301:00:04
State of the Indian Power Sector | ft. Abhinav Jindal
Jul 01, 202350:48
Changing face of India's Green Energy sector | ft. Srivatsan Iyer
Jun 15, 202351:31
Heat is On! Can India adapt to warming weather? | ft. Aditya Valiathan Pillai
Jun 02, 202301:00:28
Path to Climate Justice in a Net Zero World | ft. Tejal Kanitkar & Rahul Tongia

Path to Climate Justice in a Net Zero World | ft. Tejal Kanitkar & Rahul Tongia

For years, multiple Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have relied on integrated assessment models or IAM modelling pathways to achieve global net zero targets. 

The IPCC reports and IAM pathways have become key drivers of government policy on keeping a lid on global warming in many countries. 

However, scholars from Global South have argued that IAMs have failed to incorporate the principles of equity and rights of developing countries while charting decarbonisation pathways. For instance, questions have been raised about how it is fair to ask both the U.S. and India to achieve a net zero by 2050, given U.S. massive historical emissions.

To discuss the issue of lack of equity in net zero pathways, and ways for designing equitable models for climate action, we interviewed Dr. Tejal Kanitkar, Associate Professor at National Institute of Advanced Studies, and Dr. Rahul Tongia, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress. Both Tejal and Rahul are India’s leading scholars and thinkers on climate and energy policy and have decades of experience working in this area.

Full transcript of the episode is available here

Suggested Readings:

Presented by 101Reporters

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Tejal Kanitkar is on Twitter & Linkedin

Rahul Tongia is on Twitter & Linkedin

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Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

May 16, 202301:28:50
What will it cost to save the planet? | ft. Varad Pande
May 03, 202301:04:33
Green Giving: Understanding Climate Philanthropy | ft. Vikas Mehta
Apr 18, 202358:38
Riding into Climate Action | ft. Vinay Jaju
Apr 04, 202342:21
Emerging economy of Critical Minerals: Are countries prepared? | ft. Dr. Seaver Wang

Emerging economy of Critical Minerals: Are countries prepared? | ft. Dr. Seaver Wang

To meet global climate targets, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind will need to be deployed at scale. This will mean large-scale mining and processing of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, which form key components of the solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles required for the energy transition.

To understand the role of critical minerals in energy transition, including whether the world has enough of these minerals, we spoke to Dr. Seaver Wang, Co-Director of the Climate and Energy team at the United States-based Breakthrough Institute. Dr. Wang writes on critical minerals and recently published a paper titled “Future demand for electricity generation materials under different climate mitigation scenarios,” which unpacks the feasibility of using critical minerals at scale to meet climate goals.

Full transcript of the episode is available here

Suggested reading: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542435123000016

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Seaver Wang is on Twitter & Linkedin

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Mar 03, 202356:01
India's Wind Sector: Phoenix or Ashes? | ft. D V Giri
Feb 15, 202351:04
Rating India’s Climate Action Plan: Going Beyond the Headlines | ft. Ulka Kelkar

Rating India’s Climate Action Plan: Going Beyond the Headlines | ft. Ulka Kelkar

This year marks the starting line for India’s energy transition plan, in line with its Net Zero ambitions. The country has made a range of ambitious announcements starting from renewable energy addition to assertive stand on global climate platforms. Challenges of balancing energy needs versus climate commitments aside; India’s energy transition would need to also balance economic needs versus social obligations.

We talked with Ulka Kelkar, Director, Climate program, World Resources Institute India to assess the climate action plan of India and what lies ahead. An economist by training, Kelkar has a rich experience in climate change research where her work has ranged from field studies in rural areas to designing state action plans. She is one of India’s most respected voices on low-carbon and climate-resilient economic planning.

Reading Suggestions:

https://www.wri.org/research/pathways-decarbonizing-indias-energy-future-scenario-analysis-using-india-energy-policy

https://www.wri.org/research/sustainable-development-impacts-renewable-power-insights-three-indian-states

https://www.wri.org/just-transitions/snapshots

Full transcript of the episode is available here


Rukhmabai Initiatives 2023 - Are you a woman journalist, writer or student who loves to amplify the voices of striking women who have compelling insights into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and hold a unique place in the field, the Rukhmabai Team is looking for you!

Rukhmabai Initiatives was launched in 2020, in honor of one of India’s first practicing female doctors. This year, we will be providing three grants of Rs 40,000 each.

Each grantee will produce three stories – two profiles and one feature story – aligned with the objective of Rukhmabai Initiatives; to inspire and inform.

The link to the applications is in the show notes and the last date of submission is 31st January 2023

Apply Now!


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Ulka Kelkar is on Twitter, Linkedin

Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter and Linkedin

Jan 14, 202357:28
Special Series: Future of Coal & Just Transition - Greening the Steel | Part-3
Dec 21, 202247:49
Coal and Just Transition in Jharkhand | Special Series Part-2
Dec 05, 202248:07
Future of Coal & Just Transition in India | Special Series Part-1
Nov 23, 202256:31
COP27: Conversation to Concrete Action? | Episode 33
Nov 04, 202248:47
Climate Readiness: State of Play in Indian States | Episode 32
Oct 16, 202201:03:13
Energy Storage: The Catalyst to India's Energy Transition | Episode 31
Sep 23, 202253:38
Is India walking the talk on its Climate Promises? | Episode 30
Aug 26, 202248:25
Communicating Climate: Demystifying vs Greenwashing | Episode 29

Communicating Climate: Demystifying vs Greenwashing | Episode 29

Talking about climate change, especially in the developing world, is no longer a topic of so-called "academic interest". There are now multitudes of issues involved, countless lobbies on both sides of the debate and largely uninformed public.

Climate communication in such a scenario becomes pertinent and as important as the climate issues themselves. But climate comms, especially in the West have been long alleged for whitewashing facts and greenwashing any and every step that the Global North took to tackle climate change.

In the middle of this, Aarti Khosla launched what can be said to be India's first dedicated climate communication platform Climate Trends. Khosla has been in the communication sector for her whole career and has been associated with leading NGOs, climate groups etc.

Khosla is also Director, CarbonCopy, a dedicated platform for climate-related news.


Timestamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

2:35 - About Aarti Khosla and her professional journey

5:00 - Some of the most successful climate comms campaigns led by Aarti.

7:39 - Driving force behind starting Climate Trends?

9:55 - Tips and tricks to simplify climate to layman and the role of climate comms in India

17:31 - Strategies for balancing the narrative of energy transition fossil fuel

26:23 - Some of the key issues/concepts that are difficult to communicate.

30:15 - Climate communication has been very specific to the global north.

39:57 - Modes of communication which have been most effective

45:10 - Engaging with policymakers

48:14 - Handling the criticism of whitewashing that Climate communication faces from the media.

51:49 - Podcast outro


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Aarti Khosla is on Twitter and Linkedin

Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter and Linkedin



Aug 11, 202252:24
Plastic Ban, Green Waste & Recycling 500 GW Renewable Energy | Episode 28

Plastic Ban, Green Waste & Recycling 500 GW Renewable Energy | Episode 28

India recently enforced a ban on single-use plastic items across the country. This move will have a ripple effect across several industries, including FMCG. Experts, however, view this as a bold step towards waste management in the country. Of this, an impeding concern is over renewable energy waste.


Solar wastes are generated by discarded solar panels. India is planning to meet its 500 GW target of renewable energy by 2030. Estimates reveal solar industry alone could generate over 34,600 tonnes of cumulative waste by 2030.


Bharati Chaturvedi, Founder and Director of Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group, talks about how India is managing its waste currently, with a focus on solar waste. She goes on to share what can be done to tackle this growing quantum of energy and industrial waste. A cross-cutting environmental and public policy expert, Bharati works closely with government agencies to improve waste governance in India.

Jul 18, 202253:13
Green Energy & Ecology: Land, Farmers & an Endangered Bird | Episode 27

Green Energy & Ecology: Land, Farmers & an Endangered Bird | Episode 27

India's renewable energy sector is facing an unusual dilemma - on one side are the ambitious targets set out by the government and on the other are problems and issues that come with rampant growth and increase in size of the industry.

One such issue is the GIB or Great Indian Bustard case in Rajasthan and Gujarat where 20 GW of solar and wind power projects face an uncertain future. Planned in the breeding areas of GIB, an endangered bird, green energy and ecology are in direct conflict.

Subrahmanyam Pulipaka is leading the fight from the end of the industry. He is CEO of National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), a non profit, non government representative body of the solar sector in the country. Having dabbled both research and project development career paths, Subrahmanyam is looking at ways and means for both energy and ecology to co-exist.


Timestamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

1:56 - About Subrahmanyam Pulipaka and what it is to be in policy advocacy.

14:19 - Land and ecology issues being faced by the renewable energy sector.

18:57 - Genesis of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) controversy and the repercussions.

28:19 - Importance of the GIB native land in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

34:44 - Cost implications due to the GIB matter.

36:58 - Need of Environmental Impact Assessment for green energy projects.

43:33 - Bearing the additional cost for saving the ecology - how receptive is the industry and locals?

48:34 - Where is the land then for 500 GW dream target?

57:30 - How do the investors look at these problems?

1:02:47 - Key policy changes required to change the face of this sector.

1:09:22 - Podcast outro

Jun 30, 202201:09:57
India's annual summer affair with Coal/Power Crisis | Episode 26

India's annual summer affair with Coal/Power Crisis | Episode 26

May 28, 202255:21
Money, Scale, Intent: Path to Climate Mitigation | Episode 25
May 07, 202201:06:38
Climate Stories from the Corners of India | Episode 24
Apr 18, 202201:16:54
Climate change impacts & adaptation: Does India have a plan? | Episode 23
Mar 18, 202201:08:16
Towards a thriving power market in India | Episode 22

Towards a thriving power market in India | Episode 22

Since 2003 when the electricity market in India opened up to private investment, variety of market mechanisms also came up along with it. Long term power purchase agreements have been backbone of power supply in the country. But other short and medium terms contracts have helped meeting sudden demand surge, acted as bridge supply and lately given sale options for renewable energy. Similar contracts have now emerged in the Gas market as well. To understand how the Indian energy trading market works, how it can be made more efficient and real-time, we talked with Rajesh K Mediratta. Mediratta is a sector veteran and has worked with Load Despatch Centres, power system operator and has been instrumental in launching India's first electricity trading platform -  Indian Electricity Exchange. He is currently MD and CEO, Indian Gas Exchange.


Timestamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

0:50 - About RK Mediratta and his professional journey

17:50 - Journey of India’s Electricity trading market

30:25 - Typical contracts that the power exchanges offer in India and how the price discovery mechanism works

33:37 - Level of intervention by the platform in price discovery

36:46 - Convincing discoms to come on exchanges - Allegations of windfall gain during times of electricity supply shortage.

44:47 - How do other electricity markets in Europe function

50:50 - How does Gas exchange function in India?

57:15 - Will gas exchange act as a bridge fuel and help the Indian electricity market in any way? Can both exist in sync?

1:00:15 - Possibility of coal trading in India

1:04:33 - What kind of role can electricity exchange play in the energy transition in India?

1:08:16 - What is the next big thing that the Indian energy market will witness?

1:10:55 - Podcast outro


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Mar 04, 202201:11:28
Role of Mini Grids in Mega Challenge of Energy Access | Episode 21
Feb 18, 202201:00:29
InvIT: New-age Funding for Grand Old Power sector | Episode 20

InvIT: New-age Funding for Grand Old Power sector | Episode 20

The power transmission network is the backbone of any nation's electricity grid. India needs to rapidly expand and overhaul its electricity grid network to undertake a successful energy transition and ensure reliable power to all.

While state-owned Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) has led the growth of power transmission in India, a handful of private companies entered the fray in the last decade. But the expansion of India's power transmission network for growing renewable energy capacity would need immense capital, more than what the traditional financing routes could offer.

Alternative funding avenues are now emerging in India. IndiGrid, India’s first listed power transmission infrastructure investment trust or InvIT is aspiring to become one such innovative financial model.

To understand how routes such as InvIT can facilitate global investment in the Indian power transmission and green energy sector while also creating value for investors, we interviewed Harsh Shah, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGrid. Harsh has extensive experience in the infrastructure sector across financing, operations, M&A and regulatory policy.

This episode was recorded before Union Budget

Suggested Readings:

"Section 54EC states that if the profit made on sale of a long-term capital asset – whether an immovable property or shares and stocks – is invested by the taxpayer in 'long-term specified assets' within 6 months of the sale, then the capital gains are exempt from taxation."

1. Harsh Shah profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harsh-shah-8634bb6/

2. IndiGrid website: https://www.indigrid.co.in/

3. SEBI guidelines: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/may-2016/guidelines-for-public-issue-of-units-of-invits_32500.html


Timestamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

0:48 - About Harsh Shah and his professional journey

6:42 - Story of IndiGrid - how it started, key factors and people who shaped it.

14:12 - Status of power transmission infrastructure in India. How it could be enhanced to meet Climate targets and the role of InvIT in it?

20:38 - Functioning InvIT, key investors, regulations that make the market and type of assets.

28:02 - How are new assets acquired if 90% of the profits are returned back?

What type of investors InvIT attracts in general and at IndiGrid?

34:57 - Reason for insurance companies and pension funds to show interest in InvIT.

39:21 - Global examples of such financing instruments such as InvIT.

42:06 -: Can InvIT build assets? How are renewable assets suitable to InvIT?

46:03 - Indian renewable assets are low in return. Why then it's compatible with InvIT like model?

49:24 - Is the competitive tariff wars happening in the renewable energy space bad news for investment companies? Should InvIT be used for refinancing rather?

54:46 - When renewables will become a game of financing in the longer run, do you think we should have more actions on financing instruments?

59:21 - How the financial markets have matured in the past decade vis-a-vis regulations and quality/confidence of investors and instruments.


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Feb 04, 202201:07:48
Climate Resilience: Role of Water-Energy-Food Nexus | Episode 19

Climate Resilience: Role of Water-Energy-Food Nexus | Episode 19

Jan 19, 202257:47
COP26: Key highlights & implications | Episode 18
Nov 19, 202147:48
COP26: Negotiations, Targets and Realities (Part-II) | Episode 17

COP26: Negotiations, Targets and Realities (Part-II) | Episode 17

COP26, the world’s biggest climate change conference, is now only a week away.

After traversing through the history and functioning of climate negotiations in the first part of our COP special series, in this second part, we delve into key negotiation points at COP26, India’s role in the current negotiations, and what could be the bottlenecks and common grounds between developed and developing world.

For this episode, we interviewed RR Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow and Programme Director, Earth Science and Climate Change at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

Mr. Rashmi was India’s former principal negotiator for climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Time stamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

1:20 - About RR Rashmi and his professional journey

11:52: How has India’s climate negotiation powers changed on the global stage?

28:09:  Key issues that policymakers around the world are going to discuss and what will be India’s position?

38:36 - Will India benefit from climate finance? Is there a need to declare Net Zero

46:35: Are we not committing to phase out coal because we lack the data of how much would be our energy demand?

50:21: India's own plan to reduce coal usage keeps changing. Can we take aggressive steps on coal and gas like the USA and UK?

53:09: What would be the bare minimum that needs to happen to make this COP a success and the maximum? And ideal outcome for a country like India?

59:42 - Podcast outro


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Oct 26, 202101:00:11
COP26: Negotiations, Targets and Realities (Part-I) | Episode 16
Oct 19, 202101:24:54
Digging into the Coal Crisis: What, How & Why? | Special Episode
Oct 15, 202154:42
Financing India’s Green Leap | Episode 15

Financing India’s Green Leap | Episode 15

There is a sudden upsurge of green sector financing in the world - from direct climate financing, ESG goals, to green bonds. India, one of the fastest growing energy markets with ambitious renewable energy plans is looking at these modes to fuel its green targets. How successful though we have been? And as the country and key investors in the green energy space look outward, does India have a robust domestic financing model or agencies to support its green dreams?

In this episode, we interviewed Kanika Chawla to understand how climate and green energy financing works. We also explored whether the latest green financing trends are sustainable. Kanika is the program manager for the United Nations Inter-agency Mechanism on Energy where she is working on Sustainable energy for all. She has earlier worked with Centre for Energy Environment & Water in India.

Time stamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

1:22 - Intro of guest

2:17 - Kanika’s journey, key projects by her

9:54 - Challenge or Reward of being a woman professional in a male-dominated energy sector

13:59 - Prevalent financing models in the clean energy sector

22:28 - Financing options for a renewable company who wants to start projects in India

27:56 - Has financing fallen behind the growth of solar and wind in India?

33:11 - Is renewable manufacturing the stepson of financing?

37:43 - Lack and need of proper financing ecosystem for the renewable sector in India

44:04 - Financing support to state owned power distribution companies

51:17 - Are ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) funds a fad or are sustainable?

56:41 - Role and importance of this COP26 in accelerating green energy transition

01:05:43 - Podcast outro


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Oct 06, 202101:06:15
Making India's coal power efficient: What's the right path? | Episode 14

Making India's coal power efficient: What's the right path? | Episode 14

India’s electricity sector is facing two major challenges - low electricity demand and massive overcapacity. On one hand, renewable energy installations are on the rise in the country but it is often curtailed. While 100 GW of solar and wind power have already been installed, 50 GW is under installation and 27 GW is under tendering. On the other hand, India is not cutting down its coal-based power generation but their viability remains under cloud as new efficiency standards kick in.

Can India optimize its power sector such that renewables thrive, and efficient coal power plants get preference as India reduces its carbon and environmental footprint? In this episode, we spoke to Dr. R Srikanth, Professor & Dean, School of Natural Sciences and Engineering at the National Institute of Advanced Studies who proposes that India can shut down its old inefficient coal power plants to achieve these optimization goals. This proposal emerged from a large study Dr. Srikanth and his colleagues undertook focusing on the transition plan for thermal power plants in India.

Time stamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

1:19 - Intro of guest

2:49 - Srikanth’s professional journey from corporate to academia

12:16 - New report by Srikanth & his team at NIAS on retirement of old coal power plants

26:02 - Rationals and methodology used in the study

43:16 - Does India need to build more coal power plants?

57:37 - Who benefits from running old & inefficient coal power plants and who loses when they shut down?

01:03:43 - Can India decide on reducing the use of coal and plan for a phase out?

01:16:02 - Podcast outro


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Sep 21, 202101:16:33
Climate Change: Impact on India's most vulnerable | Episode 13

Climate Change: Impact on India's most vulnerable | Episode 13

Farming communities, forest dwellers, tribals with their rivers, mountains and other natural bounties are in the first line of impact from climate change. The worst part is that the most vulnerable are also the least privileged to save themselves from such havoc. The Indian government has put a strong voice on the global stage of climate discourse but are the climate policies covering the most remotely located climate change affected population?

To understand the impact of climate change on the ground and what policy support it will need, we talked with journalist and author Hridayesh Joshi.

Hridayesh is a freelance journalist and also contributes to CarbonCopy Hindi - a dedicated news website for environment and climate change reporting. A journalist for close to two decades, Hridayesh has written a definitive account of the Kedarnath flood tragedy in his book The Rage of the River. Hridayesh is considered one of the foremost environment reporters in the country with his ears always on the ground.

Time stamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

1:19 - Intro of guest

2:18 - Hridayesh's journalism journey

8:27 - Evolution of climate reporting in India.

11:36 - Understanding of climate change in rural areas?

14:07 - Impact that rural communities face across India, due to climate change

20:21 - Contradictory phenomenon of rural migration linked with lack of infra development but too much infra leads to ecological damage

29:35 - Climate reporting being devoid of stories of the affected

33:48 - Failure in understanding climate change among policy makers as well as local communities

37:24 - Educating people about climate change & identifying its impact

46:40 - Policy support needed from government to disseminate knowledge about climate change

53:28 - Sensitising policy making to the hazards of climate change, making eco-friendly policies

01:02:25 - Adaptation strategies used by rural communities for tackling climate related impact

01:08:26 - Podcast outro


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Sep 02, 202101:08:58
Has the sunrise moment of Indian solar manufacturing arrived? | Episode 12

Has the sunrise moment of Indian solar manufacturing arrived? | Episode 12

India's solar manufacturing industry has seen only lows in the past decade when solar energy came to the fore in the country. On one side there were cheap Chinese imports eating into the domestic market, and then there were multiple policy flip flops. It is now that the sector is having its moment in the sun with big names venturing into it - from Adani to Reliance Industries. Even the government seems to be offering a steady policy environment and several sops.

To talk about the journey of the sector and what awaits in the future, we talked with Gyanesh Chaudhary, founder and managing director, Vikram Solar. Vikram Solar based in Kolkata was one of the foremost manufacturers in the Indian solar industry and now claims to be the largest. Gyanesh who founded the company comes from manufacturing lineage and started Vikram Solar 15 years ago. The company opened a new unit in Chennai recently.

Timestamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

1:19 - Introduction of Gyanesh Chaudhary

2:12 - About Gyanesh & journey of solar manufacturing

10:43 - Places, people & events that shaped Vikram Solar

16:40 - About China's manufacturing might in solar & their ultra low cost

21:18 -  India's push to renewable power generation without manufacturing ecosystem

23:04 - Business plan of Vikram Solar sans policy support

27:14 - WTO regulations & its impact on Indian manufacturing

29:24 - Comparison between China & India vis a vis financing, government support, sops etc.

33:05 - Is focus now on manufacturing because it makes business sense or there is a policy environment in the country?

35:42 - Ever thought of entering wind manufacturing?

37:24 - Did India miss the bus on solar manufacturing due to initial missteps, pre-2014?

39:49 - Tariff wars in solar and wind and how it impacts manufacturers

43:53 - Future plans of Vikram Solar

45:15 - Entry of conglomerates into solar manufacturing and how it changes the sector's dynamics?

48:18 - Land, Finance, Protection from Imports and Govt Sops. How would you rate these in priority?

51:31 - Weak financing instruments in India for solar manufacturing

56:39 - Contribution of manufacturing to meet 450Gw renewable capacity by 2030. What share of the market is Vikram Solar looking at?

01:02:42 - Podcast outro


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Aug 16, 202101:03:16
Urbanizing India: Impact on energy demand and climate | Episode 11

Urbanizing India: Impact on energy demand and climate | Episode 11

The International Energy Agency estimates that over the period to 2040, an estimated 270 million people are likely to be added to India’s urban population. How fast India urbanises and industrialises over the coming decades, and the policies that governs these processes will be of crucial significance for countries’ energy future and global climate mitigation efforts.

To understand the implications of India’s current and future urbanization, we interviewed Siddharth Singh, co-lead author of India Energy Outlook 2021, published by the International Energy Agency. Siddharth has researched and written extensively about global and indian energy sector policies.

Suggested Reading:

  1. https://www.iea.org/reports/india-energy-outlook-2021

Timestamp:

0:00 - Podcast intro

1:19 - Introduction of Siddharth Singh

2:06 - About Siddharth: Life & career

10:34 - Syriana: Do movie scenes replay in real life?

15:00 - IEA Energy Outlook - How urbanisation is linked to energy use?

24:59 - What urbanisation means in India

30:32 - Impact of construction activities on energy & commodities demand

35:55 - Balancing rising energy need with climate mitigation plans

44:14 - Heat pumps as an alternative to ACs in India

47:50 - Incentivising Energy Efficiency for residential segment

51:05 - Contribution of urban transport to Green Economy

58:18 - Urbanisation & carbon emissions

01:10:40 - What urbanisation scenario India is likely to follow

01:13:32 - Imagining future urban landscape of India

01:18:07 - Transition towards greener mobility options

01:22:20 - Role of public spaces in energy efficiency & urban infra

01:26:13 - Podcast outro


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Aug 03, 202101:26:47