Y E A R S towards a clean and secure energy future EnergyMatters NEWSNEWS FILESFILES 2017 2018

2018 marked an important milestone for Shakti—we ushered in our tenth year. During this time, we have been privileged to work on many important issues— from the transformation in renewable energy to innovation in sustainable urban planning and robust energy efficiency interventions.

Key Highlights: • India releases Draft Cooling Action Plan • The Clean Energy Lab is cultivating CSOs in India’s clean energy Ecosystem • Closing the data gap on air quality • Sikkim to get GHG Inventory and MRV System • Launch of the Distribution Utilities Forum • Putting a Price on Carbon: A Guide for A Clean and Secure Indian Businesses • Roadmap for the electrification of bus Energy Future fleets in Indian cities

A CLEAN AND SECURE ENERGY FUTURE Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation seeks to facilitate “ India’s transition to a sustainable energy future by aiding the design and implementation of policies in the following sectors: clean power, energy efficiency, sustainable urban “ transport, climate policy and clean energy finance.

2 Message THE from CEO

Dear friends,

Shakti was set up in 2009 as a first-time endeavour by the philanthropic community to foster policy research in clean energy and climate change mitigation. 2018-2019 marks the start of our tenth year of existence, continuing our critical pursuit of a clean and secure energy future for all of India’s citizens.

From the very beginning, Shakti has occupied a unique niche, supporting and advancing policy solutions to tackle a broad array of sustainability and climate challenges, and being seen as a trusted partner in this endeavour. Over the years Shakti, its team and its programs have evolved and grown to reflect emerging realities and opportunities. This growth has been made possible by continued support from the initial core funders as well as new donors keen to support India’s clean energy transition. This support has enabled us to broaden and deepen the grantee partner network needed for the execution of our program objectives and to strengthen the civil society sector.

Shakti has also played a key role in convening diverse and relevant stakeholders to build a systemic and aligned understanding of clean energy pathways.

The first quarter of 2019 has seen several significant and positive policy announcements by the Government in areas that we work on. These include the National Clean Air Action Plan, the India Cooling Action Plan, the second phase of FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles), a major boost to investment in the residential rooftop solar sector and further investment in KUSUM, the solar irrigation pump program. The Government has also announced financial support to help thermal power plants make investments necessary to meet emission standards and help address the growing problem of air quality.

While the objectives of the Saubhagya program for full household connectivity are close to being met, much still needs to be done to ensure the reliable supply of electricity from the distribution companies to connected households. Under the Ujala program, over 340 mmm LED light bulbs have been distributed. The scheduled introduction of BS VI fuel standards in 2020, the narrowing difference in price between diesel and petrol, and the ban on diesel cars vehicles over 10 years old in the NCR region are resulting in a fall in the percentage of new diesel car sales.

Today, the impact of our work can be seen through concrete results such as advancing higher fuel quality standards for vehicles, mainstreaming decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions at the state level, supporting development of the national cooling efficiency policy, initiating work on implementing power plants emission standards, establishing low-cost air quality sensor networks, starting clean air city action plans, and successfully launching a CSO incubator.

I am pleased to share with you EnergyMatters 2018, a compilation of the issues of our monthly newsletter, outlining some of our efforts.

I would like to express my thanks to our staff, Board, funders, and partners who together make our work happen.

Sincerely, Krishan Dhawan Chief Executive Office Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation

3 INDEX

DECEMBER 6 Making Transit Oriented Development Work for Second Distribution Utilities Forum Meeting Looks Indian Cities 21 at the Impact of Rural Electrification on Discoms 6 Green Power Market Development Group Shakti Supports the Global Cooling Prize Launch for Launches NCR Chapter, Knowledge Portal 21 Breakthrough Innovations in Cooling Technology 7 Better Planning and Operation of Bus Services 22 ACCESS 2018, India’s Largest Multidimensional India Can Benefit from Better Air Quality, Survey on Energy Access 8 Human Health and Agricultural Yield by Getting to a Better Regulatory Framework for Achieving its INDC 22 India’s Transport Sector 8 Closing the Data Gap on Air Quality 9 JULY 23

NOVEMBER 10 Prominent Business Leaders Commit to A New Beginning as Shakti Enters its 10th Year 10 ‘Clean Air for All’ Principles 23 ‘Bus Karo’ Focuses on Data for City Transport 12 Shakti-Supported Reports Released at Working Group on Renewable Energy Policy and the CEEW Renewable Energy Dialogue 2018 23 Finance Convenes on Solar Safeguard Duty 13 More Traction for Fuel-Efficient Tyres 24 ETC India Develops 2030 Decarbonization OCTOBER 14 PathWays for Power Sector 24 India Releases Draft Cooling Action Plan 14 Indian Renewable Energy Federation Meeting the Rising Demand for Generates Regional-Level Perspectives 25 Cold Chains Sustainably 14 Colorado-Gujarat Energy Dialogue to Deepen Ties JUNE 26 Between States in the US and India 15 Working Group on Renewable Energy Making India’s Electricity Sector more Sustainable 15 Finance and Policy 26 SEPTEMBER 16 Launch of the Distribution Utilities Forum 26 India’s First Vehicle Rating System Based on Sikkim to Get GHG Inventory and MRV System 27 Environmental Performance 16 Tackling Air Pollution in Chandigarh is the The MSME Sector Gets a Boost from the Need of the Hour 27 SAMEEEKSHA Platform 17 Coming Soon: The State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness MAY 28 Index (SARAL) 18 Bridging the Knowledge Gap on Air Powering Jharkhand through Rooftop Solar 18 Quality Management 28 AUGUST 19 A Practical Roadmap for the Electrification of Implementing Power Plant Emission Norms Bus Fleets in Indian Cities 29 Can Yield Significant Benefits 19 Electric Buses Get a Focus at 12th Bus Karo Discussing a Carbon Tax Structure for India 19 workshop 30 SUMNet Proposes Sustainable Urban Turning Big Ideas into Action at the Transport Solutions 20 Shakti-ISB Clean Energy Lab 30

4 APRIL 31 Meeting India’s Renewable Energy Target: A Business Case for Institutional Investment 31 Putting a Price on Carbon: A Guide for Indian Businesses 32 Mini-grid Policy for Jharkhand Seeks to Bridge Electricity Gap 32

MARCH 33 Shakti Dialogues 2018 Puts Spotlight on Emerging Energy and Climate Themes 33 Road to ‘Power for All’ needs DRE Solutions 34 India Lab Announces three New Green Finance Instruments 35 Shakti-Supported Study Contributes to MNRE’s Concept Note on Solar PV Manufacturing Scheme 35 Strengthening Technical Expertise on Low-Cost Air Pollution Sensors 36

FEBRUARY 37 Solarizing India’s Agri-Pumps 37 Clean Energy Lab to Incubate Five Clean Energy Ideas 38 Integrating 175 GW of Renewable Energy into the Grid 38

5 DEC ’18

Second Distribution Utilities Forum Meeting Looks at the Impact of Rural Electrification on Discoms

Following its successful launch in Mr. Gireesh Pradhan, former Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited May 2018, the Shakti-supported Chairman of the Central Electricity and Odisha Power Transmission Distribution Utilities Forum held its Regulatory Commission, chaired Corporation Limited presented second meeting on 31st October the meeting and set the context their experience of implementing 2018. The Forum brought together for the discussion. Dr. Ajay Mathur, the Saubhagya scheme while senior management of more than Director General of The Energy Maharashtra State Electricity a dozen electricity distribution and Resources Institute (TERI), Distribution Company Limited companies (discoms) on a common provided the opening remarks. and West Bengal State Electricity platform to discuss their experience Forum participants spoke about Distribution Company Limited shared of implementing rural electrification the challenges they faced best practices on the subject. programs and the financial and while implementing last-mile operational implications of doing connectivity programs in rural TERI functions as the secretariat for so. This theme was selected based areas and how they addressed the Forum. For more information on recommendations of the Forum’s these challenges. about the Forum, download the launch meeting. Forum’s brochure.

6 DEC ’18

Shakti Supports the Global Cooling Prize Launch for Breakthrough Innovations in Cooling Technology

On 12th November 2018, Shri collaboration with a global coalition The coalition will drive and support Harsh Vardhan,Union Minister for of partners. incubation, commercialization, and Environment, Forest and Climate ultimately mass adoption of the Change, inaugurated the Global The Prize is led by Mission Innovation, breakthrough technology, starting Cooling Prize in New Delhi, an the through in India and expanding to other innovative challenge that aims the Department of Science and countries. to spur the development of a Technology (DST) and its partner residential cooling solution that organizations, the Ministry of Power, Speaking at the launch, Mr. John has at least five times lesser climate Bureau of Energy Efficiency, and Loughhead, Vice-Chair of the Mission impact than today’s standard Ministry of Environment, Forests Innovation Steering Committee and solutions. By harnessing the and Climate Change. It will be Mr. Iain Campbell, Senior Fellow at power of innovation, the prize is administered by a coalition of leading Rocky Mountain Institute lauded the intended to find sustainable cooling research institutes—Rocky Mountain effort. In addition, Shakti’s CEO, Mr. solutions to address the growing Institute (RMI), Conservation X Labs, Krishan Dhawan was part of the panel challenge of climate change. the Alliance for an Energy Efficient discussion on ‘Scaling and Financing Shakti co-sponsored the launch in Economy (AEEE), and CEPT University. Breakthrough Innovation on Cooling.’

7 DEC ’18 ACCESS 2018, India’s Largest Multidimensional Survey on Energy Access

On 21st November 2018, the Shakti- access challenge in India. In the years supported Access to Clean Cooking following this survey, the government Energy and Electricity: Survey of has made concerted efforts to close States (ACCESS) 2018, with results the energy gap at the national level from the second phase of the ACCESS and the state level. The 2018 survey survey, was launched in New Delhi. revisits the households to understand The survey, undertaken by the the changes in their energy access Council on Energy, Environment situation over the last three years, and and Water (CEEW), is India’s largest to study the impact of government energy access survey covering more policies during this period. Its than 50 districts, 750 villages over analysis and findings provide a 9,000 households in Bihar, Jharkhand, multidimensional view of the nuances Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar associated with electricity access and Pradesh and West Bengal—six of the clean cooking such as the duration of most energy-deprived states in the supply, quality, reliability, affordability, country. availability and health and safety. This was followed by a discussion on the key existing gaps in the sector, The first phase of the survey, released The report was launched by Shri the progress made till date and in 2015, highlighted the need to (Minister of the possible way forward for the look at affordability and supply-side Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill government’s Ujjwala and Saubhagya bottlenecks to address the energy Development and Entrepreneurship). schemes. Download the report.

elements of the existing regulatory framework of the transport sector Getting to a and recommend ways to enhance it. A better regulatory framework can equip the sector to close the Better Regulatory transport demand gap as well as provide sustainable and efficient connectivity.

Framework for India’s A stakeholder workshop held on 15th November 2018 in Mumbai brought together transport experts Transport Sector and civil society to examine these issues in more detail. A major While the demand for transport has Regulatory hurdles in the transport challenge highlighted was that rapidly grown in Indian cities, formal sector often compound these while there are multiple governance public transport systems, such as challenges. The sector’s regulatory levels or urban transport, there is no buses, metros etc., have been unable environment is governed by multiple overarching regulatory framework to adequately meet this demand. agencies at the central, state and city- or regulator for implementing As a result, people tend to rely more level, which can lead to distortions in sustainable urban mobility projects. on private vehicles, which are more financing, implementation, pricing Inputs from this workshop will emission intensive and polluting. This and other functions. It is against this feed into the solutions for a more in turn worsens congestion and air background that Shakti has engaged evolved regulatory framework for the quality in Indian cities. MP Ensystems to examine the transport sector.

8 DEC ’18

Closing the Data Gap on Air Quality

Air pollution continues to be a of real-time air quality monitoring the two networks consist of 250 low- serious issue in India that is not only stations. In this context, increasing cost monitors in more than 50 cities affecting the health of citizens but the availability of air quality data and towns. These monitors are being will also likely impact its economy. and making it accessible for all is an deployed mostly in cities where the A challenge that needs to be important step ahead. government-owned monitors are overcome is the limited availability either few or none. Soon to be active, of air quality data. A number of Shakti is helping to close this gap they will provide real time and credible Indian cities are still outside the by funding two independent low- air quality data that can help enhance ambit of air quality monitoring, cost ambient air quality monitoring public awareness of the rising levels of whereas other cities (like New Delhi) networks, which will provide real-time air pollution as well as inform policies have a disproportionate number measurement of PM 2.5. Combined, for better air quality management.

AQ sensors being calibrated prior to deployment against a Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM)

9 NOV ’18

A New Beginning as Y E A R S towards a clean and secure energy future Shakti Enters its 10th Year

Shakti was founded in 2009 to foster access, renewable energy, efficiency Agreement, India has developed the design and implementation in appliances, lighting, buildings and its draft national Cooling Action of clean energy policies in India. industry, and sustainable transport. Plan. A very ambitious 175 GW Around that time, India had already These early efforts have laid a strong renewable energy plan is under launched the National Action Plan foundation for our current work and implementation and India is for Climate Change, which outlined relationships. taking international leadership by existing and future policies and establishing the International Solar programmes directed at climate As we now enter our 10th year, it Alliance. Great strides have been change mitigation and adaptation, is encouraging to see how made in expanding energy and and the move towards renewable far we’ve come. India, as a clean cooking access. Amongst this energy was just beginning. We signatory to the 2015 Paris progress, the challenges around air worked hard in those initial years to Agreement, has announced its quality have mounted and need to identify big, relevant themes to work NDCs and is working to achieve be systemically addressed. on such as discom reform, energy them. As a signatory to the Kigali

10 NOV ’18

The impact of Shakti’s grant making efforts have been significantly enhanced by our ability to successfully convene stakeholders from diverse constituencies, thereby synergies and greater impact of initiatives. In addition, we continue to look to strengthen the capacity of our CSO partners and the CSO eco-system and to this end successfully launched a CSO incubator in 2018.

As India as well as the international community strives to tackle climate change and promote economic growth and environmental health, we will contribute to, and lead on the efforts required to meet these ambitions.

Marking the occasion of entering our 10th year, we hosted an event on October 25th, 2018 in New Delhi bringing together our partners and a wide range of energy stakeholders, including representatives from government, energy companies, non-profits, and special interest groups. Mr. Jamshyd Godrej, our Board Chair and Mr. , Union Minister of Commerce and Industry (and founding Shakti Board member) addressed the gathering, recounting Shakti’s journey, progress and impact over the past nine years.

11 NOV ’18

of the Bus Karo series was held on October 26th, 2018 on the theme of Rich perspectives on the ‘Bus Karo’ ‘Data for city transport’ in Bengaluru, theme were offered by with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). representatives from 12 Focuses State Road Transport Vast quantities of data are available Corporations, for public transport, but the key private stakeholders, on Data challenge is to aggregate, analyse entrepreneurs, data and share this data to inform better planning. Therefore, the workshop scientists, academicians, for City focused on how cities can use data data enthusiasts and civil to inform better decision making for society. Transport public transport issues. The workshop convened public private stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and private agencies to identify data scientists, academicians, data the use of mobility data collected enthusiasts and civil society. A key Shakti is facilitating ‘Bus Karo’, a forum from different sources, role of data takeaway from the discussion was led by the World Resources India analytics and the added value of that data from different sources comprising State Road Transport open transit data for the uptake can be analysed in different ways Undertakings (STUs), city bus of public transport services. Rich to improve existing services and operators and private operators perspectives on the theme were customer experience. This can help working to advance bus services offered by representatives from 12 optimize the utilization of already in Indian cities. The 13th workshop State Road Transport Corporations, available resources.

12 NOV ’18

Working Group on Renewable Energy Policy and Finance Convenes on Solar Safeguard Duty

In July 2018, the Government of India duty in extensive detail as well as the imposed a two-year safeguard duty on state of domestic PV manufacturing solar cells and modules imported from in India. The Group, comprising China and Malaysia to spur domestic solar representatives from the industry and the manufacturing and increase job creation investment and regulatory sector met on in the clean energy sector. Given this 24th October 2018 in New Delhi. development, there is an urgent need to assess whether safeguard duties are Discussions at the convening highlighted helping to achieve the stated goals and the on-ground challenges faced by what their impacts are on the broader the Group as well as the strategies solar sector. used to manage them. Going forward, recommendations from the Group Towards this, Shakti, the Council on will contribute to engage policy and Energy, Environment and Water and Indian decision makers in a strategic dialogue on Renewable Energy Development Agency renewable . Ltd. convened the High-Level Working Group on Renewable Energy Policy and Finance to discuss the safeguard

13 OCT ’18

India Releases Draft Cooling Action Plan

On the occasion of World Ozone cooling and thermal comfort for supported the development of four Day, Union Environment Minister all while securing socio-economic of the six thematic areas developed Shri Harsh Vardhan released a draft benefits. under this plan. India Cooling Action Plan, which provides a roadmap to meet the The plan has been prepared by the With rapid urbanization and country’s growing cooling needs Ministry of Environment, Forest development, India’s cooling needs in a climate-friendly manner. India and Climate Change after extensive will increase, which in turn will is the first country in the world to deliberations and multi-stakeholder increase peak power demand and develop such a document. The draft engagement. Shakti, through GHG emissions. It is necessary that plan provides a pathway to reduce its grantee partners, Alliance for future cooling systems be energy the country’s cooling requirements Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), efficient, use low-GWP refrigerants across sectors through 2017-18 to Council on Energy Environment and curb climate change. The 2037-38. The overarching goal of and Water (CEEW) and The Energy draft India Cooling Action Plan is a the plan is to provide sustainable and Resources Institute (TERI) has significant step in this regard.

Shakti, MP Ensystems Advisory sustainable system that not only Pvt. Ltd and the University of minimizes loss and increases Meeting Birmingham are collaborating farmers’ incomes, but also leads to on an initiative that will devise wider socio-economic benefits. solutions to advance cleaner and the Rising more energy-efficient cold chains The British High Commission in in India. Cold chains are a key focus India is working with the state under India’s Operation Green and of Haryana to pilot a clean cold will grow rapidly in the next few chain project in Haryana. As a Demand years. By 2022, India is expected part of this initiative, Shakti is to see massive capacity addition currently supporting MP Ensystems in pack-houses, refrigeration Advisory Pvt. Ltd to develop for Cold vehicles and ripening chambers. a comprehensive roadmap to Currently cold chains, for the most guide this transition as well as to part, are powered by conventional increase the understanding of Chains sources, which can be polluting well-functioning, clean cold chains. and emissions-intensive. Given In addition, Shakti is supporting their anticipated growth, the way a series of workshops to convene forward is to identify ways to make agricultural communities and Sustainably cold chains cleaner — this can financiers to look at opportunities help create an environmentally for new thinking on cooling.

14 OCT ’18

Colorado-Gujarat Energy Dialogue to Deepen Ties Between States in the US and India On September 10th-11th, Shakti, the CEPT University, Indian Institute As an important step ahead, the Center for Strategic & International of Management-Ahmedabad, dialogue culminated with the signing Studies and the Gujarat Energy Sardar Patel Renewable Energy of a Memorandum of Understanding Research and Management Institute Research Institute (SPRERI), Pandit (MOU) between the Colorado Energy hosted a dialogue between the Deendayal Petroleum University Office and Gujarat Energy Research state governments of Colorado and (PDPU), Gujarat Power Engineering and Management Institute (GERMI) Gujarat to foster cooperative action and Research Institute (GPERI) and to promote knowledge exchange on clean energy. This dialogue is Gujarat Energy Training and Research on the integration of renewable part of a first-of-its-kind subnational Institute (GETRI). From Colorado, energy and the electrification of energy dialogue between states in representatives of the University transportation as well as encourage the US and India. On the first day, of Colorado, Boulder, the National collaborative research activities. government officials from Colorado Renewable Energy Laboratory, and and Gujarat shared their ideas and the Colorado School of Mines were experiences on emerging clean present. Critical themes such as energy opportunities and challenges renewable energy integration, energy in their respective states. The second storage, utility business models and day saw a research roundtable innovations, and electric mobility attended by representatives from were discussed in extensive detail.

Making India’s Electricity Sector more Sustainable India is seeking to transform its In cognizance of this, Shakti in time when the Ministry of Power is power sector in a way to promote collaboration with the Federation taking concerted steps to simplify access, reliability, affordability and of Indian Chambers of Commerce and rationalize power tariffs in the sustainability. Several important and Industry (FICCI), Price water country, the workshop helped policies have been announced in this house Coopers (PwC), is facilitating identify reform actions and key regard, but there are still concerns research and analyses to examine principles to tariff determination. around high AT&C losses, low quality the existing tariff structures in India of service, peak power deficits and and the developmental, social, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, high cross-subsidies. In particular, and economic objectives that can Ministry of Power, spoke at the electricity tariff structures, service be achieved through retail tariff workshop highlighting the need delivery models and discom revenue reforms. for regulators and discoms to be recovery models warrant attention market-oriented. An important since they play a key role in the On 12th September 2018, a outcome of this workshop is that functioning of the power sector and workshop in New Delhi brought it paved the way for deliberations must be designed taking emerging together critical stakeholders to amongst all types of stakeholders on developments into account. deliberate on these issues. Held at a these critical themes.

15 SEP ’18

With a green rating, consumers can take more informed decisions on opting for low-emission two and three-wheeler vehicle models.

India’s First Vehicle Rating System Based on Environmental Performance How does a green-minded consumer models. Along with a comparative Of the total diesel consumed by purchase a vehicle? In the face of analysis of vehicle models, the rating the transport sector, three-wheelers climate change and rising GHG also estimates the external costs of consume around 28%. Collectively emissions, more and more consumers the impact of vehicle exhausts. this leads to a huge impact on oil are asking themselves this question. imports, air pollution and carbon But obtaining information about the The report was released by Shri Alok emissions. With a green rating, overall environmental and emission Tripathi, Executive Director of the consumers can take more informed performance of vehicles can be Petroleum Conservation Research decisions on opting for low-emission challenging—until now. Association (PCRA) at an event in two and three-wheeler vehicle New Delhi on 28th August 2018. This models. This in turn can nudge the The Green Vehicle Rating System was followed by a panel discussion transport sector towards an efficient supported by Shakti and developed comprising representatives from civil and cleaner future. by the Alliance for an Energy Efficient society and academia. Economy aims to meet this need by rating two and three-wheeler Driven by rapid urbanization and vehicles. The rating helps consumers increased incomes, India has seen a to understand the negative impact of steady rise in two and three-wheeler GHG emissions and criteria pollutants vehicles. Of the total petrol sales in released from tail pipes across vehicle India, two wheelers consume 61%.

16 SEP ’18

The MSME Sector Gets a Boost from the SAMEEEKSHA Platform

Shakti is supporting the Small and Medium Enterprises Energy Efficiency and Knowledge Sharing (SAMEEEKSHA) platform jointly set up by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) acting as the platform’s secretariat. SAMEEEKSHA pools and shares the of two sets of reports supported Mr. Abhay Bakre, Director General knowledge of institutions and key by Shakti. First, profiles of SME of the BEE and Dr. Ajay Mathur, stakeholders that work towards clusters from across the country Director General of TERI, and other promoting energy efficiency in India’s mapping energy performance and participants. Mr. Shubhasis Dey, MSME sector. opportunities for improvement, Programme Manager (Energy developed by TERI. Second, a report Efficiency) from Shakti highlighted SAMEEEKSHA’s meeting on 23rd titled Factors influencing the uptake how BEE’s new ROSHANEE August 2018 in Kolkata brought of energy efficiency initiatives (Roadmap Of Sustainable and together regional-level stakeholders by Indian SMEs, prepared by the Holistic Approach to National from the government, SME clusters, Council on Energy, Environment Energy Efficiency) mission would industry and civil society. The and Water The discussion was make the MSME sector even more meeting was marked by the release enriched by contributions from critical for energy efficiency in India.

17 SEP ’18

Coming Soon: The State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index (SARAL)

Rooftop solar is expected to make regulations to make the most of Attractiveness Index (SARAL) aims a significant contribution towards their solar potential and available to meet this need. SARAL will meeting India’s renewable energy rooftop area. At the same time, it rank states based on a wide range goals. But only 2.5 GW of the 40 GW is important for state power sector of parameters that gauge their rooftop solar by 2022 target has entities to be better-prepared to be attractiveness for solar rooftop been achieved so far. While there are able to contribute towards meeting deployment and investment challenges to overcome, the sector the target. It is also important to opportunities. Developed by the is seeing considerable interest from develop the foundation for an Associated Chambers of Commerce government entities, entrepreneurs, attractive and competitive rooftop of India (ASSOCHAM) India with investors and consumers. solar market. assistance from Ernst & Young (EY), SARAL will identify areas Several Indian states have adopted The soon-to-be-launched Shakti- of improvement and act as an policies, incentives and metering supported State Rooftop Solar investment tool.

State-level implementation remains Jharkhand has set a target of 500 MW key in meeting India’s renewable grid-connected solar rooftop by 2022. A Powering energy goals. On August 10th, report released by CEED estimated that 2018, Shakti collaborated with the Ranchi and Jamshedpur alone have a Center for Environment and Energy solar rooftop potential of more than 1 Jharkhand Development (CEED), Jharkhand GW, which can bring in an investment Renewable Energy Development of INR 500 crore and create 25,000 jobs. Agency (JREDA) and the Central Tapping this potential can help the University of Jharkhand (CUJ) to state meet its energy demand in a cost- through host a national conference on effective manner. Ms. Disha Agarwal, powering Jharkhand through Programme Officer (Renewables) rooftop solar. The conference at Shakti was part of the panel that Rooftop saw the participation of key explored immediate steps and long- representatives from government term strategies to expand solar rooftop departments, the state regulatory in Jharkhand. The panel also set out Solar commission, policy think-tanks, the challenges and opportunities in research institutions, civil society the context of the current state of and solar developers. Jharkhand’s power sector.

18 AUG ’18

In December 2015, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change notified more stringent emission Implementing standards for thermal power plants in India. In the light of this important development, Shakti supported a study to assess the industry-wide cost implications and benefits of Power Plant implementing these emission standards. The resultant study, carried out by the Center for Study Emission of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), was released in New Delhi on 13th July 2018, Norms Can revealing pertinent findings. The study indicates that the cost of electricity from these plants is Yield Significant likely to increase by 25–75 paise per kWh.

However, the health benefits Benefits will significantly outweigh the costs of compliance by a factor of 4:1. The standards can help avoid at least 300,000 untimely deaths caused by air pollution. There is a significant reduction in morbidity as well. The total health benefit is monetised to be over Rs 9.6 lakh crores by 2030. The cumulative investment required to implement pollutant control technologies is estimated at about Rs 4 lakh crore by 2030. Discussing a Carbon Tax Structure for India

As India takes measures to achieve its NDC goals, a other countries which have implemented a carbon carbon tax has the potential to be an effective climate tax mechanism, and possible linkage of the carbon tax mitigation instrument. A newly released discussion paper, structure with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the commissioned by Shakti, contributes to the discourse on country. this theme. Its findings informed the discussion at a consultative The discussion paper, prepared by Ernst & Young, workshop held in New Delhi on July 27th, 2017. Mr. analyzes a carbon tax structure for India and assesses Suman Bery, Shakti Board Member, facilitated a session its merits and challenges. It covers pertinent issues on the potential design and implementation of a carbon such as the level of GHG emissions in India and their tax regime for India which saw active participation from sources, assessment of the current tax and non-tax experts from industry, think tanks, multilateral associations measures for reducing carbon emissions, learnings from and academia.

19 AUG ’18

SUMNet Proposes Sustainable Urban Transport Solutions

The Sustainable Urban Mobility presented their ideas, exchanged The finding of walkability Network (SUMNet), supported by approaches and jointly looked for audits and alternative street Shakti over the last six years, is a innovative solutions. The finding of designs from 11 cities were network of multi-city grassroots level walkability audits and alternative civil society organizations working street designs from 11 cities were presented. towards sustainable urban transport presented. Members also shared the policies in India. From July 2-4, 2018, experience of engaging with policy SUMNet held its annual workshop makers in Bihar and Jharkhand to in Bangalore bringing together draft a policy on non-motorised members from 13 different cities vehicles. An informative discussion to deliberate on the challenges on urban mobility focused on and prospects of sustainable urban enhancing governance and transport in their respective cities. institutional structures as well as In a working, knowledge transfer- good data practices for informed oriented environment, members decision making.

Going forward, members will focus on ways to implement proposed street designs in their respective cities and collect primary data on informal transport systems for a few cities to understand policy gaps.

20 AUG ’18

Making Transit Oriented Development Work for Indian Cities The idea of Transit Oriented A range of key issues related to TOD The discussion was enriched Development (TOD) is gaining zones were highlighted including by valuable contributions from popularity in Indian cities, but there affordable housing, parking, street representatives and decision makers remain many challenges and barriers design, public engagement and from the Delhi Development to its development. It is within this social equity. The findings of a Authority, the Ahmedabad Municipal context that Shakti is supporting the TOD assessment of Mumbai and Corporation and the Ahmedabad Centre for Environment Planning Bangalore were presented. An Urban Development Authority and Technology University (CEPT important point of discussion was as well as civil society, the private University) to design better planning that access to transit must cater to sector and research institutes. principles for TOD. As a part of these the rising demand for affordable Drawing on these learnings, CEPT efforts, a workshop organized in housing, and therefore, new ToD and University will prepare a handbook Ahmedabad, brought together metro policies should be proactive on “Planning principles of TOD for experts to discuss this topic in detail. in this regard. Indian Cities.”

Green Power Market Development Group Launches NCR Chapter, Knowledge Portal

The Shakti-supported Green Power studies and other documentation to Market Development Group India serve as a repository for future work is helping to increase the share of in these areas. This portal is intended renewable energy in the overall to help disseminate knowledge to energy consumption of commercial larger audiences, thus enabling them and industrial establishments. The to make and execute decisions Group is being led by the World related to renewable energy Resources Institute India and the procurement. Confederation of Indian Industry. On July 27th, 2018, a new chapter of the GPMDG was launched in the National Capital Region (NCR) to facilitate transactions and business models that promote onsite and offsite renewable energy procurement.

The event also saw the launch of the gpmdg.org to curate tools, case

21 AUG ’18

REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS FOR INTEGRATED SHARED MOBILITY GOVERNANCE IN INDIA Better Planning MAY 2018 and Operation of

Bus Services INDIA

Bus systems are key to providing Regulatory frameworks for Bus Benchmarking Activity efficient public transport services. But Integrated Shared Mobility Report – Bangalore and most formal bus systems in Indian Governance in India assesses the Chandigarh presents the results cities need improvement in order to existing mobility regulations for of a bus benchmarking exercise be able to cater to the demand for governing shared modes of transport of the Bangalore Metropolitan transport. Two reports supported (such as buses, Intermediate Public Transit Transport Corporation (BMTC) by Shakti provide solutions for the systems and Internet-based aggregators and the Chandigarh Transport better planning and operation of bus of transport services) providing solutions Undertaking (CTU) identifying areas services: for better regulatory governance. of improvement and opportunities.

India Can Benefit from Better Air Quality, Human Health and Agricultural Yield by Achieving its INDC India has committed to several A new Shakti-supported report measures that focus on GHG prepared by The Energy and mitigation and address climate Resources Institute (TERI) carries change. It is extremely relevant that out a co-benefits assessment of the co-benefits to be derived from various energy policy scenarios these measures are also evaluated with a focus on co-benefits such as and quantified. This can significantly better air quality, human health and strengthen the case for climate action. agricultural productivity.

22 JUL’18

Prominent Business Leaders Commit to ‘Clean Air for All’

Principles Leaders of India’s prominent corporate groups, including Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co Ltd., Shell India, Kirloskar Brothers Limited, Dalmia Bharat, KPIT Technologies, Tata Motors, The Forum was facilitated by World Mahindra Lifespaces and others, were Resources Institute India and Shakti. part of a high-level CEO Forum, which An important outcome was that came together on June 1st, 2018 to the participating CEOs committed shape actions towards supporting to voluntarily reducing emissions India’s ambient air quality goals. from their operations. They also recommended ‘Clean Air for All’ In its latest database, the World principles for business to use for Health Organisation reported 14 addressing the growing challenge Indian cities as the most polluted of air pollution. The principles are in the world in terms of PM 2.5 outlined in a CEO Communique, concentrations. Given the urgency of which highlights the need for the air pollution challenge in Indian concrete capacity building action cities today, this initiative taken by within existing set-ups and driving industry leaders is a welcome step. voluntary business action.

Shakti-Supported Reports Released at the CEEW Renewable Energy Dialogue 2018

At the CEEW Renewable Energy Dialogue 2018 in New The first two formed the basis of panel discussions Delhi, leaders from civil society, industry, investors, lenders and saw extensive participation from key stakeholder and financial institutions discussed ways to accelerate India’s communities across multiple geographies. The Dialogue renewable energy transition. Among the reports released to was organised by the CEEW in collaboration with the foster knowledge transfer and strategic decision making in Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), rooftop the pursuit of wider and deeper renewable energy markets solar International Solar Alliance (ISA), International were three reports supported by Shakti: Energy Agency (IEA), Shakti and REN21. • Scaling up Rooftop Solar in the Residential Segment • Curtailing Renewable Energy Curtailment • The Future of Renewable Energy Jobs

23 JUL ’18

More Traction for Fuel-Efficient Tyres

A study previously the Indian context. This coupled commissioned by Shakti has with an analysis of market found that improving the trends and international best performance of tyres can practices, has been analyzed reduce fuel consumption by to provide recommendations 20%. But current tyre standards for the Standards and Labelling in India benchmark for safety program for passenger car tyres and durability parameters and in India, which has made good not for rolling resistance and strides in implementation so far. other parameters such as wet grip, which have a greater The analysis presented this bearing on fuel efficiency. study is a good starting point for further stakeholder To facilitate the development discussions. It can be further of appropriate standards for expanded to inform the tyres, Shakti commissioned a development of a Monitoring study on the Indian tyre market. and Evaluation protocol for the This study has generated test fuel efficiency of passenger car data on rolling resistance tyres, which will help to make and wet grip performance of the overall programme more passenger car tyres, suited to effective.

ETC India Develops 2030 Decarbonization PathWays for the Power Sector Shakti is co-supporting the Energy for the demand, supply and flexibility ETC India follows a similar approach Transition Commission India (ETC requirements of the power sector to that of the Energy Transitions India), a high-level, multi-stakeholder in 2030. ETC India held its second Commission International. The platform on energy and electricity stakeholder workshop on June 25, India chapter was convened in the sector transitions, which focuses on 2018 bringing together policymakers, light of India’s leadership potential developing decarbonization pathways civil society, research organizations, in achieving a clean, efficient and for the power sector. Through investors, electricity generators, affordable electricity system. The continuous engagement with policy equipment suppliers, and oil and Energy and Resources Institute makers and other stakeholders, ETC gas companies to contribute to the serves as the Secretariat for ETC India is currently developing scenarios scenario analysis. India.

24 JUL ’18

Indian Renewable Energy Federation Generates Regional- Level Perspectives

The Shakti-supported Indian Renewable Energy Federation works to promote policy, regulatory and business solutions that will increase the deployment of renewable energy. Since it was established, the IREF has provided recommendations to inform several policy developments such as the Phase II and amendments to the Electricity Act 2003 and has facilitated stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue at the state level.

In the last year, the Federation convened industry representatives in 10 regional workshops to build shared perspectives and approaches. The culminating workshop was held in New Delhi on June 20th, 2018, which saw illuminating discussions on themes such as power purchase agreements, commercial integration of renewable energy, land issues and the availability of capital and financing, amongst others.

While the renewable energy sector has grown considerably, there is still immense potential to be realized. The discussion and its findings– to be published soon—will provide regional and state level perspectives and learnings to help shape India’s renewable energy agenda.

25 JUN ’18

Working Group on Renewable Energy Finance and Policy

Starting in 2016, Shakti other financial institutions 3rd May 2018 in New Delhi can provide comfort to and the Council on Energy, submitted a set of policy were centered around the developers, investors as Environment and Water recommendations to curtailment risk for solar well as system operators. have convened a High- key government officials, and wind projects. With Going forward, the Group Level Working Group which were well received. India adding significant will focus on other themes to enable increased renewable energy capacity including decentralized investment in India’s This year, the Group has and operating a large solutions to energy access, renewable energy grown to include more and complex power such as rooftop solar. It market. Based on its practitioners to collectively system, curtailment will continue to develop deliberations, the Group develop solutions that de- for technical reasons and provide concrete comprising leaders from risk the renewable energy may be unavoidable. action points to policy and civil society, industry, sector. Discussions at the However, appropriately decision makers in the investors, lenders and Group’s convening held on managing curtailment risk country.

Launch of the Distribution Utilities Forum

Senior management executives from commitments. The Distribution more than 20 electricity distribution Utilities Forum will bring together for utilities came together for the the first time MDs, CEOs and other inaugural meeting of the Distribution senior management of distribution Utilities Forum held on 4th May utilities on a common platform to 2018 in New Delhi. The meeting was share views, learning and solutions for chaired by Mr. Gireesh Pradhan, former some of the critical challenges facing Chairperson of the Central Electricity the sector. Regulatory Commission and Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Going forward, the Forum will focus Energy. on themes such as open access in distribution, technical and human The distribution sector is a key resource challenges, as well the roll- focus of ongoing power reforms out of rural electrification schemes in India. An efficient, resilient, and such as Saubhagya and Power for All. financially robust distribution sector The Energy and Resources Institute is essential to meet the Government’s (TERI) functions as the secretariat for electrification ambitions as well the forum and is supported by Shakti as the national and global climate Sustainable Energy Foundation.

26 JUN ’18

Sikkim to Get GHG Inventory and MRV System

Shakti is engaging with IORA Ecological Solutions Pvt. Ltd. to Dr. Thomas Chandy, Principal Secretary and Chairperson develop a state-wide GHG Inventory of the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management and Climate MRV System for Sikkim, Department, Government of Sikkim, in his remarks to the which last year announced its vision workshop, highlighted the importance of this initiative in of becoming the first carbon neutral helping the state respond to climate change. state in India. The system will help the state develop annual GHG inventories, track the implementation of climate- relevant actions and contribute to and N2O gases. The inventory was Dr. Thomas Chandy, Principal Secretary India’s NDC goals. presented at a workshop on 11th and Chairperson of the Forests, May in Gangtok for its validation Environment & Wildlife Management The GHG emission inventory by state-government officials and Department, Government of Sikkim, provides estimates for major GHG the nodal officers associated with in his remarks to the workshop, emitting sectors —Energy, Industrial this initiative. This was followed by highlighted the importance of this Processes and Product Use (IPPU), discussions on data gaps and how initiative in helping the state respond Agriculture, Forestry and Other they could be addressed, and the to climate change. Moving forward, Land Use (AFOLU), and Waste for institutional arrangements required the GHG inventory and MRV system the years 2005-2015 for CO2, CH4 for the System. will be finalized and launched. Tackling air Pollution in Chandigarh is the Need of the Hour

On 16th May 2018, Shakti along with The workshop brought together Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities decision makers from various city Center Inc, and the Department of departments including road and Environment of the Union Territory transport, as well as health scientists, of Chandigarh organized a tri-state CSOs and environmentalists to find stakeholder workshop for Chandigarh, solutions to the issue of worsening Mohali and Panchkula on bridging air quality. Shri Anurag Aggarwal, plan that would facilitate inter- the knowledge gap on air quality Home Secretary, Union Territory, in his departmental collaboration. Other management. Known for being one inaugural address, underscored the themes were covered such as better of the most well-planned cities in need for urgent action as well as for waste management measures, health the country, Chandigarh has been incorporating air quality improvement impact and knowledge gaps in air grappling with deteriorating air quality measures under the Smart City quality management. for a few years now. A recent study by Liveability Index. the Department of Environment reveals The is second of four Shakti-supported that ambient air quality in the city is at Presentations from the Chandigarh workshops for cities outside the Delhi- its worst since 2007 at specific locations, Pollution Control Committee NCR region, where pollution levels are largely due to vehicular emissions. highlighted the need for an air action increasing.

27 MAY ’18

Bridging the Knowledge Gap on Air Quality Management

With air pollution a growing Foundation organized a Chief Conservator of Forest, concern, Shakti is working stakeholder consultation IFS, Uttarakhand), who on several fronts to support workshop for Dehradun on provided perspectives on the development of policy mitigating air pollution. The the prevention and control and technological solutions workshop brought together of air pollution. Other for better air quality key Government officials, participants also exchanged management. It is widely subject matter experts and insights on the subject. This recognized that poor air civil society organizations was the first of four city- quality is not confined to to facilitate the exchange of level workshops supported the Delhi-NCR region. An information on the existing by Shakti aimed at bridging important step ahead is status of air pollution in the the knowledge gap on air to address the knowledge city and state, as well as quality management in gaps on air pollution, possible policy solutions. Indian cities. particularly for cities outside the Delhi-NCR region, The workshop was which are grappling with attended by Mr. S. K. Das worsening air quality. (Former Chief Secretary, On 11th April, Shakti along Uttarakhand), Mrs. Vibha with Clean Air Initiative Das (Former Secretary for Asian Cities Center Inc, Education, Government the Uttarakhand Pollution of India) and Mr. R. B. S. Control Board and the Gati Rawat (Former Principal

28 MAY ’18

A Practical Roadmap for the Electrification of Bus Fleets in Indian Cities

India is readying for an ambitious electric buses in Bengaluru. The transition towards electric vehicles, report is particularly relevant given which is expected to help improve that last year Karnataka became air quality in cities, reduce oil imports the first Indian state to announce and contribute to the country’s clean a policy for electric vehicles. energy agenda. Now, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is The roadmap holds immense As policy makers and other in the process of procuring its first potential for replication by cities stakeholders confront both the fleet of electric buses. To inform and states across India and can help challenges and opportunities that these efforts, the report identifies city authorities evaluate technology lie ahead, it becomes clear that some of the key barriers in large- choices, assess the impact on proper planning is a key priority. A scale EV penetration and proposes distribution grids and analyze recently released report supported a long-term implementation plan infrastructure requirements. Last by Shakti provides a practical for the electrification of buses in year, Shakti supported a similar study roadmap for the adoption of Bengaluru. for the city of Kolkata.

29 MAY ’18

Electric Buses Get a Focus at 12th Bus Karo workshop

Identifying the need for Operations in Indian cities’. models for public and on- experts. Highlighting better bus transport, Building on the momentum demand bus transport. the broader climate Shakti supports the of electric mobility in India, change context, Mr. ‘Bus Karo’ initiative led the workshop brought Rich perspectives were Chinmaya Acharya, Chief by WRI India. Bus Karo together over 130 experts, offered by Mr. Surendra of Programmes at Shakti, is a knowledge sharing government officials, Bagde (General Manager, underscored the relevance network consisting of State policy makers and civil Brihanmumbai Electric of electric buses as an Transport Undertakings society practitioners to Supply and transport important opportunity to (STUs), city bus and private offer insights on how to Undertaking), Mr M. reduce emissions, improve bus operators working to undertake the transition Ramshekhar (CEO, Delhi local air quality issues as advance bus services in to an electric bus fleet. Integrated Multi-Modal well as provide efficient Indian cities. Discussions were held Transit System Ltd.), Prof. mobility services. around battery technology Shivanand Swamy (CEPT The twelfth Bus Karo and support infrastructure, University), Mr Ashwin The workshop was held in workshop, held in New financing, operations, Mahesh (Co-founder, New Delhi on April 5-6th Delhi, focused on the theme innovation in public bus Lithium), Mr Anil Kaushik at part of WRI’s annual of ‘Strategizing Electric Bus transit and collaborative (AGM, NTPC), and other conference, Connect Karo. Turning Big Ideas into Action at the Shakti-ISB Clean Energy Lab

We need more Civil Society The Lab acts as a resource The right support at the right time Organizations (CSOs) working in the providing support to the Fellows can turn their big ideas into real-world clean energy space to help drive to convert their ideas into scalable solutions, thereby strengthening the India’s transition to a cleaner and institutions. As part of the year clean energy ecosystem. sustainable future. But it takes skill, long incubation programme, resources and capacity to translate a Fellows benefit from mentorship, big idea into concrete action. This is networking support, capacity where the Clean Energy Lab comes in. building programmes as well as The Lab, launched by Shakti and the collaboration and fund-raising Indian School of Business last year, is assistance. Fellows attended an incubating five Fellows, helping them immersion programme held from develop early stage CSOs working April 23-25 at the Shakti office, in the area of clean energy to create which was facilitated by experts policy impact. from the clean energy sector.

30 APRIL’18 Meeting India’s Renewable Energy Target: A Business Case for Institutional Investment

Finance will be crucial to meet India’s proposing potential pathways well with the risk, return, and long renewable energy target of 175 forward. investment horizon requirements of GW by 2022. A significant potential institutional investors. source are institutional investors, According to the study, the renewable both foreign and domestic, who sector is becoming increasingly But there are still some barriers to manage USD 70 trillion and USD attractive from the perspective of such accessing this apparent match— 564 billion of assets respectively. institutions, as compared with other including sector specific risks like off- A study, supported by Shakti and energy investment opportunities take risk, lack of publicly listed entities undertaken by the Climate Policy in India. As a market, India is and low credit rating of investments, Initiative, explores ways to unlock economically attractive for foreign along with currency risk. The study this potential. The study develops institutional investors compared to stresses that with appropriate a business case for institutional other similar markets across the world. regulatory and policy changes, the investors to invest in India’s Further, the renewable energy sector sector can provide a good match with renewable energy sector, identifying is a long-term and low-medium risk institutional investors’ investment key barriers to investment and investment, which aligns reasonably objectives.

31 APR ’18

Putting a Price on Carbon: A Guide for Indian Businesses At a time when countries are forward-looking Indian familiar with the concept adopting low-carbon and businesses are showing of carbon pricing. It climate-resilient pathways, interest in factoring an provides a seven-step the role of businesses in internal carbon price into approach to adopting a driving sustainable business their business plans. But carbon pricing scheme, models that supplement they are also highlighting which is based on WRI these efforts is greater than the need for guidance India’s research, survey of ever before. A growing tailored to the Indian 30 companies and in- number of businesses context. To help bridge this depth collaboration with around the world have gap, Shakti facilitated the five Indian businesses in adopted internal carbon development of a primer the textiles, cement, oil pricing as a tool to address for businesses on how to and gas, IT & Technology climate-related risk, as well design and implement an and manufacturing sectors. as to explore opportunities internal carbon pricing As businesses incorporate for business efficiencies and scheme. internal carbon pricing as a for innovation. key resource in addressing The primer, developed climate risk, this primer is Responding to this by WRI India, is meant to an important tool they can momentum, a few help businesses become use. Mini-grid Policy for Jharkhand Seeks to Bridge Electricity Gap

Mini-grids are emerging as a enabling ecosystem for the sector. rural households. Mr. Deepak Gupta, promising solution to provide Key stakeholders including private Head of Shakti’s Power programme, electricity in unserved and under- investors, mini-grid developers, underscored the need for a strong served areas of the country. In a government officials, civil societies, regulatory framework for the sector, bid to enhance electricity access in policymakers, think tanks and micro- and Mr. Ramapati Kumar, CEO of Jharkhand, Shakti in collaboration finance banks offered perspectives on CEED, emphasized that the proposed with the Jharkhand Renewable Energy strengthening the draft policy. new policy would help boost India’s Development Agency (JREDA) and ‘Power for All’ programme. the Centre for Environment and Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Energy Development (CEED) gathered Arbind Prasad, Chairman of the stakeholders to deliberate on a draft Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory mini-grid policy for the state. Commission (JSERC) stated that such a policy was a positive step in creating At 45.17%, Jharkhand has one of opportunities for private investment the lowest levels of household in the sector. Mr. Niranjan Kumar, electrification rates in India, and Director, JREDA highlighted JREDA’s mini-grids can help bridge this gap. commitment towards developing The draft mini-grid policy is a step mini-grids for meeting India’s target of ahead in the direction of a more providing quality electricity supply to

32 MAR’18

Shakti Dialogues 2018 Puts Spotlight on Emerging Energy and Climate Themes

With more than 150 participants— high-level officials, researchers, civil society organizations, policy strategists, and industry representatives—the Shakti Dialogues 2018 delivered rich insights and perspectives on the rapid transitions underway in India’s clean energy sector.

The Dialogues build on Shakti’s unique ability to convene key stakeholders and drive collaborative action toward meeting India’s energy and climate goals. Drawing on insights gained from Shakti’s on-going programme work and from emerging priorities and developments in the country, the Dialogues focused on six critical themes: The sessions were introduced by Mr. The convening enabled Shakti’s • Framing a national vision on Krishan Dhawan, CEO of Shakti and grantees and stakeholders from electric mobility chaired by distinguished members various sectors to interact with • Catalyzing financing of the Shakti Board including Mr. each other as well as explore areas frameworks to support India’s Nitin Desai (Former Under Secretary of future collaboration. The diverse clean energy ambitions General, United Nations) and exchange of ideas was marked by • Addressing air quality challenges Mr. Suman Bery (former Director a broad consensus on the need in a rapidly urbanizing India General of the National Council for enabling and practical policy • Integrating energy efficiency of Applied Economic Research, as solutions. considerations into the national well as key experts including Mr. affordable housing programme Gireesh Pradhan (Former Chairman This is the fourth edition of the Shakti • Driving reforms in the power of the Central Electricity Regulatory Dialogues, which was held in New sector Commission) and Mr. Anirban Ghosh Delhi from 26-28th February 2018. • Engaging business leadership in (Chief Sustainability Officer at the Follow the conversation on social climate mitigation Mahindra Group). media using shaktidialogues2018.

33 MAR ’18

Road to ‘Power for All’ needs DRE Solutions

For the last three years, opportunities, challenges The follow-up session on on Energy, Environment Shakti has provided and successes in India’s ‘A Converging Dialogue and Water). strategic and funding DRE landscape as well as to Accelerate India’s Clean support to the India Energy highlighted ways in which Power for All Goals’, saw Shakti, along with Ashden Access Summit, an annual DRE could deliver on India’s a panel discussion with India led a session on gathering of leaders and Nationally Determined eminent personalities ‘India’s Leadership on innovators exploring ways Contributions. Discussions discussing India’s clean 100% Electrification’ which to accelerate India’s clean also focused on how energy growth trajectory. focused on the catalytic energy transition. The 2018 interaction between the The panel included Mr. role that India could play summit was convened grid and DRE could help Krishan Dhawan (CEO in the move to achieve through 12-13 February meet these goals. of Shakti), Ms. Elizabeth 24x7 power for all by 2022, by the Climate Group and McKeon (Head of Strategy, and the vital role of DRE the Clean Energy Access The summit was IKEA Foundation), Dr. for reinforcing such efforts. Network in partnership inaugurated by Mr. Raj Shah Harish Hande (Founder and These and other sessions with the Ministry of New (President of the Rockefeller CEO, SELCO Foundation), served to enhance the and Renewable Energy. Foundation) and Mr. Desh Ms. Helen Clarkson (Chief dialogue on how DRE Through a series of Deepak Verma (Rajya Sabha Executive, The Climate solutions could be aligned high-level discussions, Secretary General, Rajya Group) and Dr. Arunabha with India’s national the speakers identified Sabha, Parliament of India). Ghosh (CEO of the Council priorities on energy access.

34 MAR ’18

India Lab Announces Three New Green Finance Instruments

The India Innovation Lab for Green history to purchase them, and by to reduce the ownership cost Finance, hosted and supported by leveraging data and technology of electric buses in India, by Shakti since 2015, continues to make to achieve scale and lower generating additional revenue progress on financial instruments, customer acquisition costs. from repurposing traction which could catalyze large-scale • Financing for Low-Carbon batteries as energy storage investment in green infrastructure. Auto Rickshaws aims to batteries after the end of the The Lab recently selected three new increase sustainable transit in traction period, which would ideas for green finance instruments India, by financing asset loans maximize the use of the battery to move forward for development in for low carbon and electric for another 5-10 years its 2018 cycle: auto-rickshaw drivers that • The Residential Rooftop Solar leverage financial and digital Over the next few months, the Accelerator aims to increase technologies, such as real time selected three ideas will receive residential rooftop solar power information and payment guidance from Lab Members in India by leasing solar rooftop systems. and other high-level experts, in systems to households that do • The Long-Term Debt Facility preparation for their launch at the not have the required credit for Traction Batteries aims end of the year. Shakti-Supported Study Contributes to MNRE’s Concept Note on Solar PV Manufacturing Scheme

The Ministry of New and Renewable its inability to compete with imported the manufacturing process. This Energy, in December 2017, released products. This study therefore aims recommendation, too, has been a concept note on the solar PV to identify the main challenges faced informed by the study. manufacturing scheme with the by India’s solar PV manufacturing goal of boosting solar manufacturing industry. It identifies the exact Mr. Upendra Tripathy, Director capacity in the country. A study capital costs at various stages of General of the International Solar supported by Shakti, undertaken the manufacturing process, based Alliance, and Mr. Krishan Dhawan, with ICF and the Indian Chamber of on which the MNRE has proposed CEO of Shakti launched this study Commerce, has contributed to the the capital subsidy that may be at the 6th Green Energy Summit development of this concept note. required for required for creating new organized by the Indian Chamber of manufacturing capacities. In addition, Commerce in New Delhi. In the light While India’s solar market is growing, the concept note also encourages the of India’s ambitious solar ambitions, the domestic solar PV manufacturing deployment of renewable energy- the prioritization of manufacturing industry, however, has not been able based power plants to provide capacity is an important development to tap into this market on account of for clean electricity as an input to for the solar PV sector.

35 MAR ’18

With air quality a worsening cost sensor technologies, problem in India cities, low- best practices for operation Strengthening cost air quality censors can and maintenance, and ways help address critical data gaps. to correctly interpret air Shakti is facilitating efforts to quality data. Adding to these establish two independent presentations, participants Technical networks of low-cost air summarized knowledge and quality sensors in India. To project successes while also enhance knowledge sharing highlighting the opportunity and dialogue, Shakti recently and challenges pertaining to Expertise on convened a workshop low-cost air quality sensors. bringing together civil society, researchers, funding agencies As key findings, the workshop and consultancies to discuss concluded that in order to Low-Cost the applications of low-cost air enhance the credibility of data quality sensors. provided by low-cost sensors, there is a clear need to Air Pollution The workshop was led by Mr. improve sensor performance Tim Dye, an independent and implement standards. It expert with expertise was highlighted that low-cost in environmental field sensors provide an excellent Sensors monitoring, data management opportunity to fill the existing and pubic communications, data and knowledge gap on who provided an overview air pollution and can also be of three critical themes: the used as public engagement current state of play of low- tools.

36 FEBRUARY’18 Solarizing India’s Agri-Pumps

In the agriculture sector, solar Irrigation in India’ and are already as the potential of solar energy to irrigation pumps are a promising having an impact on discussions fulfil unmet irrigation needs and alternative to traditional water about how to scale up solar agri increasing farmers’ resilience to pumping systems which usually pumps. Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, climate change. He also offered to operate using grid electricity, NITI Aayog, delivered the keynote convene a meeting of relevant states, diesel or kerosene. With a target address at the event underscoring for taking the recommendations of 1,000,000 solar pumps by 2020- the relevance of the studies as well forward. 21, India is taking steps both at the national level and in states to meet this target. Reflective of the importance of this initiative, the Government’s 2018 Budget plans to encourage farmers to shift to solar power pumps by getting state electricity distribution companies to purchase any surplus electricity generated.

During the last two years, Shakti has engaged with key stakeholders in a rigorous analytical effort to provide actionable recommendations for deploying solar energy for irrigation. Specifically, Shakti commissioned Dalberg Global Development Advisors and Sambodhi to evaluate the impact of the solar pumping scheme in four states—UP, Bihar, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. The study reveals the broader socio-economic impact of solar water pumps and recommends ways to improve the design and implementation of the program at the national and in states.

Shakti also contributed to the development of three other research studies, conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, which highlight the need for context-specific deployment strategies, customer-centric approaches, and better technologies and financing for scaling up solar agri pumps.

These studies were launched at the ‘National Dialogue on Solar for

37 FEB ’18 Clean Energy Lab to Incubate Five Clean Energy Ideas

Shakti and The Indian School of applicants, were part of an intensive Sharing his views on the rationale Business (ISB) have joined hands 5-day capacity building boot camp for developing the Lab, Krishan to launch the Clean Energy Lab, held recently at ISB Hyderbad, Dhawan, CEO, Shakti as well as a uniquely designed incubation designed to help them refine their Lab Mentor says, “One of Shakti’s programme for civil society ideas. The Fellows will now begin a roles as a foundation focused on organizations working in the area of year-long incubation program, which India’s clean energy sector is to clean energy to create policy impact. will include dedicated mentorship build and strengthen the capacity In 2018, the Lab is incubating five with assigned experts, capacity of civil society to participate more Fellows with exceptional ideas to building and training sessions and effectively in policy dialogue and work across clean energy themes. The a multitude of opportunities to action. Platforms like the Clean Lab will support the Fellows to build network and partner with potential Energy Lab are an important part of their ideas into scalable institutions, collaborators. This suite of resources the solution. Given India’s increasing which can create research research- is critical to get their big ideas off the energy demand and urgent based policy impact in India. ground. It is also intended to broaden development priorities, outcomes the clean energy ecosystem to help from the Lab can make a very The Fellows, selected from among turn more big ideas into real-world important contribution.” a highly competitive pool of 120 solutions. Integrating 175 GW of Renewable Energy into the Grid India’s renewable energy of integrated power sector framework that considers market has gained modelling frameworks the ambitious renewable increased momentum to address the variability energy target as an stoked by an ambitious challenge through integral component of target of 175 GW of optimizing the balancing the overall expansion renewable energy by capacity. An integrated plan for the power sector. 2022. However, renewable framework such as this The framework provides energy is more variable takes several factors into a pathway to assess if can use the modelling than conventional sources. account including the the grid can successfully framework, and conduct Integrating a large quantum location of renewable integrate new renewable national, regional and of renewable energy into sources, type of generating energy while meeting state level analysis around the grid in a cost-effective and transmission capacities the expected load of grid dispatch, generation manner, while maintaining required and the future 24*7 power for all. It also and transmission grid stability and reliability, demand scenario for proposes technical and planning. Shakti will also will require changes to power. infrastructure changes be engaging with other power system planning and required to achieve an stakeholders to strengthen operations. A released study, optimal resource mix. the data availability commissioned by Shakti, Going forward, Shakti will regime, which is critical to Given this context, Shakti is proposes a national-level engage with civil society the success of any such enabling the development power sector modelling organizations so that they modelling framework.

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