As India balances economic growth with its climate goals, reforms in energy and industry will be crucial. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute, outlined key priorities in an interaction with BW Businessworld.
She said India must focus on energy security through renewables, decarbonising steel and cement through green hydrogen and nuclear options, and expanding decentralised renewable systems for rural livelihoods. The conversation took place on the sidelines of the 25th World Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi. Edited Excerpts:
Q. The summit’s theme is “Transformation.” What are the three key transformations India must pursue over the next five to 10 years to stay ahead on sustainability and development?
Change is now the only constant. Geopolitical shifts and changing patterns of international support will influence research funding and climate finance. In that context, India must focus on three broad transitions.
First is energy security. India remains dependent on imported fossil fuels. Reducing that dependence is essential. The country has committed to sourcing 50 per cent of its energy from renewables and is progressing towards its 2030 targets. Solar and wind energy are increasingly integrated into the industrial ecosystem, especially in sectors with lower temperature requirements.
Second is the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as steel and cement. Nearly two-thirds of India’s infrastructure is yet to be built. These sectors require high temperatures and are difficult to decarbonise. The government has therefore invested in green hydrogen, where India’s production costs are among the lowest. Nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, is also being explored to enable decentralised and reliable energy generation.
Third is decentralised renewable energy for rural development. Earlier initiatives such as ‘Light a Billion Lives’ addressed basic electrification. The next phase focuses on livelihoods. Reliable renewable energy can support cold storage, food processing, solar pumps and agri-photovoltaics. This will reduce post-harvest losses, lower cultivation costs and strengthen rural incomes, while easing migration pressures on cities.
Q. How can India manage decarbonisation in rapidly urbanising and industrialising regions, particularly in hard-to-abate industries?
Around 60 to 65 per cent of industrial production comes from small and medium enterprises. Emissions accounting must now include scope two and scope three emissions. Industrial growth need not remain concentrated in metros. With improved highways and better connectivity, smaller cities can emerge as viable industrial hubs. Energy security will be central to this shift. Distributed industrial growth can reduce migration, ease urban stress and support balanced regional development.
How is Teri engaging with artificial intelligence and building skills among young people in climate technologies?
A. Artificial intelligence is increasingly relevant to renewable energy systems. Solar generation fluctuates across the day. AI can help forecast production, manage grid absorption and enable dynamic tariffs. Consumers can schedule energy-intensive activities when tariffs are lower. Electric vehicles, for instance, can be programmed to charge during periods of surplus supply.
Teri has begun integrating AI into its energy research and applications. At the same time, it recognises the need to build skills among young professionals in emerging climate technologies. Efforts in this direction have started, though there remains considerable ground to cover. |
