CSTEP studied the implementation of the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) in Karnataka. UDAY, launched by the Government of India in 2015, aims to improve the financial health of state-owned power distribution companies (DISCOMs). Based on the study findings, CSTEP recommended measures for effective implementation of the scheme in order to meet its objective of reducing losses among DISCOMs and increasing operational efficiency.

CSTEP worked with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to develop RE (floating solar/RTPV/wind) + battery storage system designs for 12 islands in Lakshwadeep. The project aimed to replace 60% diesel-based consumption in these islands. CSTEP researchers visited the islands for site surveys and feasibility assessment of RE installations.

CSTEP worked with BESCOM to identify 150 government colleges, schools, hospitals, and administrative buildings and prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for installation of 4.2 MWp cumulative RTPV capacity on these building rooftops. This exercise was part of BESCOM’s efforts to publicise RTPV and encourage other consumer categories to adopt the technology.

CSTEP is working with the Government of Karnataka and other state governments to develop a more holistic approach whilst developing RE plans for the near future. This includes using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data to choose the best locations and capacities for solar and wind power projects, conducting power flow studies with sophisticated simulation tools/software to understand how large-scale RE will be integrated with the grid infrastructure, and calculating the costs associated with the proposed solutions.

CSTEP has developed a tool to accurately assess the solar potential of rooftops in cities using light detection and ranging, or LiDAR. Named CSTEP's Rooftop Evaluation for Solar Tool (CREST), this tool identifies precise locations for installing rooftop photovoltaic (RTPV) systems on buildings. It also has the potential to aid the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) in achieving its target of 1.2 GW solar capacity by the end of 2022.