Energy is a key factor in combating climate change, one of the biggest challenges the world is facing today. India has committed to cutting emissions to net zero by 2070 and set ambitious targets for adopting renewable energy. Achieving these targets requires careful planning and an overhaul of our current energy system.
Our work aims at enabling policies that encourage the adoption of rooftop solar, facilitate the development of technology for energy storage, strengthen the grid and transmission infrastructure, advance hydrogen technologies, and promote green mobility. CSTEP's research looks at the various aspects of mainstreaming renewable energy for a cleaner, greener energy sector.
Revving Up Revenue: Making Affordable Public EV Charging Viable
The electric vehicle (EV) segment in India has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the last few years. More than 1 million EVs were sold in FY23 alone, and this segment grew by a whopping 154% year-over-year. For this momentum to persist, the country’s EV charging infrastructure needs to grow at a rapid pace.
Annual Report 2022-2023
We bring you CSTEP’s Annual Report for 2022–2023.
As we look at the past year, we reflect on collaborations that helped us forge impactful strategies to solve some of the grand challenges that the country faces today. Our world-class research founded on solid partnerships will help the country navigate through critical problems, such as climate risk and green energy transition, to shape a better tomorrow. This Annual Report is a throwback to our endeavours and a testament to our efforts in building a sustainable and resilient future.
Policy Matters [April-June 2023]
A quarterly newsletter featuring CSTEP commentary, publications, events, and other developments.
Potential and challenges of using hydrogen to decarbonise Indian Railways
The Indian Railways, one of the biggest train networks worldwide, transports over 24 million passengers and 3 MT of freight daily. It is a major energy consumer in the country with a significant emission footprint. To overcome these challenges, the government has set a target to achieve 100% electrification of the railway network by 2024. Currently, 80% of the routes have already been electrified. However, the cost effectiveness and technical feasibility of complete electrification in areas with low grid access or inaccessible terrain or in routes with low frequency remain unclear.
Are you making the sustainable choice?
India became the fifth largest economy surpassing the UK recently, recording a greater-than-expected 7.2% GDP growth rate in FY 2022–23. Also, as per the latest State of World Population (SOWP) report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India is the most populous country on the planet, leaving behind China.
Easing Bengaluru’s traffic woes
Bengaluru witnessed a 16% spike in car registrations during FY 2021–22. With the addition of about 1 lakh cars annually over the past few years, several parts of the city continue to experience severe traffic congestion. A few initiatives are underway to ease this problem.
There is a need for the citizens of Bengaluru to become more environmentally conscious and adopt sustainable mobility options. Aggressive awareness campaigns and investments in this direction are required from policymakers.
OPINION: What is the role of states in India's clean energy transition?
As a rapidly developing nation, India is currently the world’s fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. However, we aim to reduce the overall carbon intensity and achieve 50 per cent of power from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, which is currently at 43 per cent as per Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
Hydrogen applications segmentation and hierarchy
The National Green Hydrogen Mission envisions India to be a leading manufacturer and a major hub for green hydrogen in the world. However, India lacks the necessary infrastructure and some of the key technologies that are needed to realise these goals. India does not produce green hydrogen at a commercial stage at present and lacks several raw materials (critical minerals) that are required to manufacture electrolysers.