The India Energy Hour

Like other peers, India has increasingly started focusing on securing critical minerals for its energy and industrial sectors. From lithium and cobalt to rare earth elements, these minerals are essential for clean technologies like batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines. As the world races to secure these resources, India is looking to position itself strategically. But, how big is India's mining sector today, and how much could it grow in response to rising global demand? Can India realistically find its space when China and the West are in a geopolitical race for critical minerals? What does India's evolving critical minerals policy look like, and who are the major players – especially state-owned enterprises?To help us unpack these questions, we speak with Abhinav Sengupta, energy and mining expert who brings deep insights into India's policy and industrial strategy around critical minerals.Full transcript of the episode is available in EnglishPresented by 101Reporters Abhinav Sengupta is on LinkedInFollow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Methane is often overlooked in the climate change discourse, as against carbon. Methane is over 80 times more potent at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 20-year period. Released from sources like livestock, landfills, and leaky oil and gas infrastructure, methane is a tricky problem to solve. In this episode we understand what methane emissions are and how to plug them. Cutting methane emissions can be one the fastest ways to slow global warming.For this relevant issue, we talked with Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor in India to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Mundol is a seasoned development sector executive with experience in both government and private entities.Full transcript of the episode is available in EnglishPresented by 101ReportersHisham Mundol is on Twitter and LinkedInFollow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Hydrogen is gaining significant traction as a key element in the global and Indian transition to clean energy. However, with different types of hydrogen production—green, grey, and blue—there's much to unpack. Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources, is widely regarded as the most sustainable option but is very expensive to produce. India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, with a target of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030, is a bold move in the country's energy transition. But is this target too ambitious? What does the policy landscape around hydrogen in India look like, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead?To understand the role of hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, in India's energy transition, we interviewed Vijay Shekhawat, Vice President (Public Affairs), Thyssenkrupp Nucera. Vijay is regarded as an energy expert with a deep understanding of India's energy landscape.Full transcript of the episode is available in EnglishPresented by 101ReportersFollow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

As India eyes its net zero targets, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is becoming central to decarbonizing core industries like steel, cement, and petrochemicals. While the technology holds immense promise, its adoption in India remains limited—hindered by cost concerns and lack of policy clarity.To understand the road ahead, we spoke with Mr. Atanu Mukherjee, CEO of Dastur Energy. From shaping early internet technologies to leading CCUS innovation in India, Mr. Atanu Mukherjee shares a compelling perspective on the need for supportive policies, financing models, and industry-wide collaboration to scale CCUS in India's energy transition.Full transcript of the episode is available in EnglishPresented by 101ReportersAtanu Mukherjee is on TwitterFollow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

As India transitions toward a low-carbon future, the private sector's role in embracing sustainability and ESG is paramount. While top corporations lead with ambitious net-zero goals, many small and mid-sized firms are yet to begin their sustainability and ESG journey — held back by data challenges, lack of awareness, and complex disclosure frameworks.To understand how Indian companies can embrace sustainability and ESG, we spoke with Ms. Prarthana Borah, Vice President, Momentum. With decades of experience across environmental education and corporate sustainability, she offers valuable insights on simplifying ESG frameworks, building internal capacity, and unlocking the potential of India's private sector in the net-zero transition. Full transcript of the episode is available in English Presented by 101Reporters Prarthana Borah is on Linkedin & Twitter Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

State-Owned Enterprises (SoEs) in the Oil & Gas sector play a critical role in ensuring energy security for the country. They are among the most diversified entities, spanning the entire oil & gas value chain—from upstream to downstream operations. But as India moves toward its net zero goals, the question arises: Can oil & gas SoEs diversify into clean energy sectors? What challenges must they overcome to adapt? And how can they improve carbon management in a Net Zero India?To explore the evolving role of Oil & Gas SoEs in India's energy transition, we spoke with Mr. Deepak Tandon, Executive Director of the Carbon Management and Sustainability Group at ONGC Ltd. With over four decades of experience in Indian SoEs, Mr. Tandon shares invaluable insights into how SoEs future in a net zero India. Full transcript of the episode is available in English Presented by 101Reporters Deepak Tandon is on LinkedIn Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

The role of State-Owned Enterprises (SoEs) in India's energy transition cannot be overstated. SoEs, or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), control majority of India's fossil fuel production and provide millions of jobs across the country. As India accelerates its energy transition, these enterprises will play a crucial role in scaling the rapid deployment of clean energy. Historically, SoEs have been key drivers of economic growth and local welfare. However, they are often seen as bureaucratic, slow in decision-making, and susceptible to political influence.To gain insights into the role Indian SoEs can play in this energy transition, we spoke with Dr. B. Veera Reddy, Former Director (Technical) of Coal India Limited and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Central Coalfields Limited. Dr. Reddy brings nearly four decades of experience working with Indian SoEs. Full transcript of the episode is available in English Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

India's foray into renewable energy (RE) started with its thermal power giant NTPC Ltd.In the mid-2000s, NTPC, which is also the country's largest power generator, formed a division that would bundle RE with thermal and sell it together. Cut to 20 years later, NTPC has become the first public sector enterprise (PSEs) to publicly list its dedicated RE company.Most of the paradigm shifts in the Indian economy have been invariably led by PSEs, which Nehru called the Temples of Modern India. From coal mining to power generation, mega hydroelectric dams, and now green transition.To understand the history of energy policy making in India and the role of government and government-owned entities, we talked with Mohit Bhargava, former CEO, NTPC Green Energy Ltd.Bhargava, a career NTPC executive, has been involved with key responsibilities in the organisation, the last and most significant being expansion in the RE sector. Bhargava has served in several departments and plant locations of NTPC, earning him rich experience. He is known for his deep insights on policy, corporate strategy, and energy transition.   Full transcript of the episode is available in English   Presented by 101Reporters   Mohit Bhargava is on LinkedInFollow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Climate crisis unfolding in India will first impact our plates! Farms lands, agri commodities, coastal areas are in ten first line of impact from climate change induced extreme weather conditions. Not only does it spike the cost of food, several researchers say it alters its taste and texture too. Close to 60% of India population is dependent on farming as primary employment. Extreme weather is now playing huge role in food inflation in India. To understand what is happening to our food givers and how the Indian economy can cope up, we talked with Sanjeeb Mukherjee, Agriculture Editor, Business Standard. Mukherjee has been a journalist for more than two decades and has been closely covering India's rural, agriculture sector and the food economy. An incisive reporter, Mukherjee regularly travels across the country to understand the changes on the ground, innovations which are making our farmlands better and what the other India outside our cities want.   Full transcript of the episode is available in English   Presented by 101Reporters   Sanjeeb Mukherjee is on Twitter and LinkedInFollow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

The consecutive G20 presidencies of Indonesia (2022), India (2023), Brazil (2024), and South Africa (2025) has resulted in four consecutive G20 presidencies held by emerging economies. This moment is hailed by many as a grand opportunity for Global South countries to make a push on different topics including on energy transition, and climate action. Collectively, in the climate and energy space, these countries have shown leadership on topics like Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), Green Development, Climate Finance & LiFE, Energy Transition and Sustainable Development among others. Can they do more? How much more and what are limits of G2O process?  To understand how G20s works, and how best can it be used for advocating for stronger energy and climate policies by Global South countries, we interviewed Dr. Prabhat Upadhyaya, G20 and Multilateral Advisor, African Climate Foundation.  Prabhat is a leading climate and energy expert who has previously worked with G2O secretariat in India and is currently in South Africa leading work on G20 in South Africa.   Full transcript of the episode is available in English  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeOur hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

With Donald Trump scheduled to take over as the 47th President of the United States of America, there is widespread anxiety on the impact on global climate action. A climate change denier, Trump is a vocal supporter of fossil fuels and in his last tenure made US exit from the Paris Agreement on climate action. It is feared climate financing will take a serious hit. We talked with Anisha Dutta, a New York based investigative journalist focusing on politico-economy to understand the why and how of America electing Trump, the impact it will have on energy transition policies of the US, and the domino effect on climate action and green funding across the globe.  Dutta has been a journalist for over a decade, earlier in New Delhi and now in New York. She has worked with some of the leading newspapers in India - The Hindustan Times as an political and  infra reporter and for The Indian Express as an investigative journalist. Recently she has also reported from war and conflict zones in Northern Iraq. Her recent works have been published in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Columbia Journalism Review, The Hindu Frontline, among others.   Full transcript of the episode is available in English  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Anisha Dutta is on Twitter and LinkedIn Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Climate change is already impacting many rural areas of India. Farmers in rural areas of India are facing rise in temperatures and changes in rainfall that negatively impacts production as well as monetary returns. There are many ways to adapt to the impacts of climate change.  One way to assist farmers is the District Agro-met Units (DAMUs), a project of Indian Meteorological department. DAMUs provide free-of-cost weather advisory services, and crucial information related to sowing, use of fertilisers, harvesting and storing crops. Instead of expanding the DAMU, Government of India decided to shut them down. To understand the broader impacts of climate change on farmers, the role of DAMU's and why government decided to shut them down, we interviewed Rishika Pardikar an Indian environmental journalist and PhD scholar Rakesh Nannewar. Both Rishika and Rakesh have been extensively written about the role and importance of DAMU units.   Full transcript of the episode is available in English  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTubeRishika Pardikar is on Twitter and Rakesh Nannewar is on LinkedIn Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Every year, between May to September, the same images make the rounds. The national capital first sweats and then drowns with even a few millimetres of rain. The city that never sleeps braces water logging every year without fail. The silicon valley of India while facing traffic snarls the whole year dreads the monsoon months which make it worse.  Why is it that India's megacities crumble under the slightest variation in weather? Why are our national, financial capitals and metro cities not built to adapt to extreme weather conditions? Is it myopic city planning or unprecedented events?  As climate change related impacts intensify, cities have to prepare a long term plan to adapt to changing climatic conditions.  To discuss the same, we talked with Jaya Dhindaw, Executive Program Director, Sustainable Cities and Director, WRI India Ross Center. Jaya is an urban development professional and researcher with over two decades of global experience in sustainable development, urban resilience and natural resource management.  Jaya has in the past worked for the Centre for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transport and Urban Planning (CISTUP) at the Indian Institute of Science. She has also worked with the City of Charlotte for over 8 years, first with the transit system and then with the planning department.  Full transcript of the episode is available in English  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Jaya Dhindaw is on Linkedin

This summer was all about breaking records - from temperature to electricity demand. India clocked the highest ever electricity demand of 260 Gw during the summer months, thanks to sweltering heat in all parts of the country.  But is it just the heat? Has the electricity usage behavior changed in the country? Are ACs shaping our power demand? Are the demand drivers shifting from commercial to domestic segment?  Is the electricity supply landscape prepared for extreme weather events impacting both the infrastructure and the supply planning?  To take a micro look at India's electricity demand supply system, we talked with Rajiv Goyal. Goyal has served in various positions across power distribution companies. He is credited with the successful setting up of the Noida Power Company Ltd. He is considered an expert in power distribution planning, smart metering, and power sector regulations among other things. He is currently CEO and whole time director at EKI Power Trading.  Full transcript of the episode is available in English  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Rajiv Goyal is on Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Energy security remains a top priority for India as it seeks to balance growth with sustainability. A critical question emerges: Can India ensure energy security while also phasing down inefficient and uneconomical coal power plants? This issue involves not only understanding the current landscape of power production but also strategizing the retirement of outdated plants.In this insightful episode, we engage with Dr. Joshua Busby and Deepshikha Arora from the University of Texas at Austin, who explore these complex dynamics in their upcoming paper. They delve into the political economy challenges of retiring coal plants in India, discussing both the local policy frameworks and the international support mechanisms that can aid India's decision-making process.  Full transcript of the episode is available in English  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Can political leaders be taken to court over climate change impacts? Can the Indian Constitution recognize climate change under the right to live? A recent Supreme Court hearing explored these questions, sparking a national debate. The case ruled against the livelihood rights of an endangered bird, but what could laws against extreme weather and climate change mean for us? Join us as we discuss this with Shibani Ghosh, Advocate on Record Supreme Court of India and a visiting fellow at the Sustainable Futures Collaborative, a New Delhi-based research organisation, as she shares her outlook on citizen-driven climate actions and the vital role of the National Green Tribunal. Could this be the beginning of a strong climate law for India?  Learn how this big decision could change India's legal system, support climate action, and lead to future climate laws. Full transcript of the episode is available in ⁠English⁠⁠  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Nearly 2.8 billion people around the world depend on solid fuels such as firewood and biomass for their cooking needs. Majority of such people reside in African and Asian countries including in India. India has made significant progress in enhancing access to modern fuels through policies that support greater use of LPG cylinders. However, several issues still remain. To understand the Indian clean cooking challenge and the required interventions, we interviewed Abhishek Kar, Senior Programme Lead at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water. Abhishek have led numerous studies on energy access in India and in other countries, and is a known expert in this area.  Full transcript of the episode is available in English  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Abhishek Kar is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Imagine a future where every rooftop is a mini power station, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment. This isn't just a dream—it's the potential of decentralized renewable energy projects. From innovative micrgrids to efficient rooftop solar panels, these solutions are revolutionizing the way we power our lives. To know more, We sat with Dr. Debajit Palit; He has a PhD in Energy Policy and an MSc in Physics. He is currently a professor at the NTPC School of Business. He has dabbled in the roles of professor, author, and researcher.  Full transcript of the episode is available in English  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Dr. Debajit Patil is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

India has ambitions to install 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Achieving this target would require large scale finance, sound policies and much more. To understand how India can achieve its renewable energy targets, we interviewed Vibhuti Garg, Director of South Asia at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.  Vibhuti is an expert on energy pricing, adoption of new technologies, subsidy reforms, enhancing clean energy access and more.  Full transcript of the episode is available in English. Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Vibhuti Garg is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

Season 4 of The India Energy Hour Podcast is here.  To kickstart the season, the hosts are here to give a primer on what all to expect in India's journey towards energy transition.  It is the year of general elections in India. A lot of policies and political decisions hinge on that.  But there is other exciting stuff too. From India's maiden critical mineral auction to more engagement on just transition, this could be the year India walks the talk on energy transition.  Tune in to get a 360 degree view of India's energy and climate action landscape as we step into the new year. Full transcript of the episode is available in English  Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin

This year's Conference of Parties (COP28), hosted in the oil-rich UAE, was full of ironies. There were apprehensions over the host, which has oil wells in its backyard. The COP28 President was the CEO of the national oil company. It was expected that at least the rich nations would drive more climate finance. But the negotiations that unfolded over the 12 days and the outcome caught many by surprise. The COP final text, for the first time, mentioned a transition away from fossil fuels. The decision was lauded, but the fine print is not that promising. There was no major uptick in climate finance; adaptation goals were left untouched, and the language towards the oil and gas sector was lopsided. To unfold the facets of the negotiations at COP28 and their impact on global climate dialogue and global warming, we talked with Jacob Koshy. Koshy is Deputy Science Editor at The Hindu and has been writing on science and technology for more than a decade. An engineer-tuned journalist, he has worked in some of the leading news dailies in India and is known for incisive reporting and comprehensive writing.  Full transcript of the episode is available in English Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Jacob Koshy is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

India's energy transition is central to global climate action. But where does India's energy transition stand? What are the key challenges and opportunities in areas such as energy access, clean transportation and critical minerals. To understand the intricate dynamics of India's energy transition journey, we interviewed Aditya Ramji, Director of the India Zero Emission Vehicle Research Centre at the Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis. Aditya is a leading expert in areas of clean transportation, energy systems, and electric mobility. Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Aditya Ramji is on Twitter & Linkedin Our host Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

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: https://nipfp.org.in//media/medialibrary/2023/10/WP_402_2023.pdf https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/indigrid-awarded-its-first-battery-energy-storage-system-project-11597181.html http://www.prayaspune.org/peg/publications/item/377 https://energy.prayaspune.org/our-work/research-report/estimating-impact-of-renewable-energy-wheeling-and-banking-arrangement-on-karnataka-escoms https://energy.prayaspune.org/power-perspectives/virtual-net-metering-for-public-bodies-an-innovative-solution-for-improving-payment-discipline Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube 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

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 Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Saurabh Kumar is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

Climate tech is one of the emerging areas in the technology landscape offering a variety of new-age solutions for adapting to changing climate. Largely unexplored, climate tech has the potential to empower even the grassroot sectors with the ability to forecast and adapt to extreme weather and unprecedented climatic events. In this unique episode, we talked with Himanshu Gupta, the co-founder of Climate AI, who explained the various facets of climate tech, the emerging AI tools, and how he is deploying it in the sectors he operates. From agri to commodity supply chain, Gupta talked about the various tech solutions that AI can offer for safeguarding against climate risks. Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Himanshu Gupta is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

How many trillions would be required to reach zero? Are global dialogues enough to rake up funds? As countries race to meet their net carbon zero targets, it is the technological solutions and entrepreneurial ventures which could make it a reality. Capitalism has always been the antithesis of climate action. But what happens when you marry them both? To explore this, we talked with Akshat Rathi, Senior Reporter for Climate at Bloomberg News and host of their climate-solutions podcast Zero. He touches upon various aspects of climate and science reporting, entrepreneurship in the green energy sectors and his experience as a roving climate writer. With his first book Climate Capitalism coming out soon, Akshat also delves into the challenges and opportunities he had in researching and travelling for it.  Akshat with an academic background in Organic Chemistry switched to science journalism. He earlier reported for Quartz in India before moving to the UK to be part of the Bloomberg News team. Full transcript of the episode is available in English & Hindi Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Akshat Rathi is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

As the G20 host, India deftly managed geopolitics, especially Russia-Ukraine, while driving energy and climate discussions. Topics like renewable energy, critical minerals, and sustainable finance took center stage, likely impacting the upcoming COP summit. India's challenge is finding unity among diverse priorities, addressing resource nationalism, and aligning nations in various green energy stages. The G20 Leaders' Summit underscores the quest for consensus on issues like fossil fuel abatement amidst complex political landscapes. To understand what the key themes of energy and climate are in the G20, what the sticking points are, and how they will shape the global dialogue on energy transition, we interviewed Swati D'Souza, India Lead Analyst and Coordinator at International Energy Agency (IEA), who provides insights into India's efforts and the key points of discussion during the G20 summit. Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Swati D'Souza is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

India's G20 presidency started amidst major geopolitical events, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These events reshaped energy markets and climate policies globally. As energy security considerations took center stage, countries started re-evaluating climate and energy policies. Most countries started looking inward, pushing for policies that secure energy security for them instead of building a global consensus on climate action. To understand how India is navigating the G20 presidency amidst geopolitical realignments and what the key challenges and opportunities are for building a global consensus on energy and climate policy, we interviewed Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, founder and CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, one of the leading think tanks in India. Dr. Ghosh is an internationally recognized climate and energy policy expert, author, columnist, and institution builder. Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi language Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Arunbha Ghosh is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

India has taken over the presidency of G20 at a time when the conventional geopolitics around key sectors is witnessing a shift - be it fossil fuels, climate, financing and several others. While it has provided the country an opportunity to lay a ground for a stronger voice of the Global South in energy transition and climate action, the ongoing turmoil between various nations is set to impact the outcome of the deliberations. To understand what are the key themes of energy and climate in G20, what are the sticking points and how it will shape the global dialogue on energy transition, we talked with Sudarshan Varadhan, Asia Energy Correspondent at Thomson Reuters.  Sudarshan has been reporting on the dynamic energy sector for close to a decade, earlier placed in New Delhi and now from Singapore. He has done incisive reporting on the evolving energy landscape in Asia, highlighting the challenges of energy access, climate impact and mapping global trends in fossil fuel and clean energy sectors. Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi language Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Sudarshan Varadhan is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

In this episode, Vivek Subramanian - Co-founder and Executive Director of Fourth Partner Energy discusses the market dynamics and trends in the decentralised green energy industry. He shares his entrepreneurial journey and the growth of his company. He emphasized on long-term contracts in the decentralised space especially with commercial and industrial consumers. He said the increasing desire of end consumers to control their energy mix and the price of power will drive the sector further. Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi language. Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Vivek Subramanian is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

In India, the coal based electricity dominates the power sector. But the country has set ambitious renewable power targets. This will bring about many techno-economic and socio-political changes. For example, Indian state owned enterprises in the power sector may have to redefine themselves, and there will be a need for new financial mechanisms and policy design for providing renewable energy a boost. To understand the state of play in the power sector, we interviewed Abhinav Jindal, senior researcher and energy economist, who has over two decades of experience working in the power sector. Abhinav is one of the most balanced voices on the subject of energy security and electricity transition. Full transcript of the episode is available in English and Hindi language. Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Abhinav Jindal is on Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

India's green energy landscape has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in recent years, positioning the country as a global leader in the clean energy transition. With a growing population, rapid urbanization, and rising energy demands, India recognized the need to diversify its energy sources and reduce its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. In order to understand the changing landscape of the green energy sector and the country's ambitious energy transition goals, we interviewed Mr. Srivatsan Iyer, Global CEO of Hero Future Energies. He has held executive roles in ExxonMobil, Braskem and McKinsey & Company, and have successfully expanded their business to other countries. Full transcript of the episode is available here Suggested Reading: Decarbonising India - Charting a pathway for sustainable growth Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Srivatsan Iyer is on Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

In recent years, heatwaves in India have become more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting. This increase can be attributed to the larger problem of global warming and climate change. Rising greenhouse gas emissions have led to a rise in average global temperatures, which directly contribute to the occurrence and severity of heatwaves. In order to understand the importance of Heat Action Plans and implications of extreme weather, we spoke to Aditya Valiathan Pillai, a fellow with the Initiative for Climate, Energy and Environment (ICEE) at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR). His current work focuses on strengthening policies to combat extreme heat. Full transcript of the episode is available here Suggested Reading: How Is India Adapting to Heatwaves?: An Assessment of Heat Action Plans With Insights for Transformative Climate Action Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Aditya Valiathan Pillai is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

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: IPCC'S climate reports reveal an unequal science: https://carboncopy.info/ipccs-climate-reports-reveal-an-unequal-science/ Presented by 101Reporters Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Tejal Kanitkar is on Twitter & Linkedin Rahul Tongia is on Twitter & Linkedin Our hosts, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

Climate financing in India is crucial for achieving sustainable development and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The government's efforts to mobilize climate finance, along with support from international institutions are essential for achieving these goals. In order to understand the complexities and challenges of financing climate change initiatives in India, including the role of government, private sector, and international institutions, we interviewed Varad Pande, Climate Finance and Investment Expert. Varad has held diverse roles across government, strategy, multilateral, investment organisations working on issues of economic development, social impact, and base-of-pyramid (BOP) business models. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Varad Pande is on Twitter & Linkedin Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

Climate philanthropy globally and in India are starting to play a catalytic role for enabling climate action. They are starting to bet on innovative ideas and projects that enable decarbonisation of key sectors, foster solutions that benefit communities and economies, and bridge the gap between philanthropy and commercial investment. To understand more about how climate philanthropy works, the different funding models and the main challenges of funding climate projects, we interviewed Vikas Mehta, Executive Director of SED Fund, a venture philanthropy providing funding to organizations in India across their life cycle and continuing to support them in their growth and scale-up journey. Vikas has decades of experience in philanthropy, strategic planning, fundraising, and portfolio management. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Vikas Mehta is on Twitter & Linkedin Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

Under ‘Move for Earth' initiative, co-founder of SwitchON Foundation Vinay Jaju cycled over 3,000 km across different states in East India, connecting with farmers, women and youth to address clean air, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. Vinay Jaju is also the co-founder of ONergy and ONskills. He has collaborated with various ministries of Government of India and bilateral organizations such as US Embassy, United Nations Development Programme, General Electric and World Wildlife Fund. He is currently the Managing Director of SwitchON Foundation and looks after the daily operations of the organization. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Vinay Jaju is on Twitter & Linkedin Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

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 Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin & YouTube Seaver Wang is on Twitter & Linkedin Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter & Linkedin

India's wind energy sector has never had a breezy year for close to a decade now. An early mover in the green energy space, wind energy players relied on tax benefits for initial growth. But as incentives and subsidies faded, so did the fortunes. Recently, in another major policy shift, the bidding regime for the wind sector would undergo significant changes. To talk about the past, present and future of the wind energy sector, we spoke with Mr. D V Giri. He is the secretary general of Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA), the industry lobby body for wind turbine makers. Giri has held senior executive positions in several sectors including foreign wind energy majors. He has been associated with Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association since its inception. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter and Linkedin

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! Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube 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

A major part of India's energy transition would come from the power sector but for the broader goal of decarbonization, energy-intensive industries need to plan a green future. The steel industry which forms the backbone of the country's infrastructure growth is the foremost industry to plan a transition. The sector which relies on metal mining, drives bulk electricity demand and employment generation across its supply chain. This makes it imperative for it to lead to industrial decarbonization in the country. To understand the shift undergoing the steel sector, we spoke with Manish Mishra. A seasoned steel sector executive, Mishra has held various roles at a variety of locations in Tata Steel, one of India's leading steel producers. Mishra is currently Chief Corporate Affairs with the company in New Delhi. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube Manish Mishra is on Linkedin Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter and Linkedin

India has set a net zero target by 2070. If this target is to be achieved, India will have to reduce its reliance on coal. However, decreasing coal production and use is complex as it will impact millions of workers, communities and coal-dependent states. In order to mitigate the impact on workers and communities in coal-dependent states, the states will have to enable a just energy transition and the planning will need to start from now. Jharkhand, India's most coal-dependent state has acknowledged the enormous just transition challenge and has taken a bold initiative by creating a new task force on just transition. The work and success of this task force has the potential to inspire other coal-dependent states to follow suit. To get a ringside understanding of this just transition in Jharkhand we interviewed Mr. Ajay Kumar Rastogi, Chairman of Jharkhand's Sustainable Just Transition Taskforce. Mr. Rastogi recently retired as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests after serving for over three decades in key ministries of Forest and Climate Change, Land and Revenue in Jharkhand and Bihar. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube Ajay Kumar Rastogi 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

India's energy transition stands at the crossroads of meeting the nation's rising energy demand and pressure at the global front to reduce emissions. Having now committed to a low carbon development plan and a net zero target year, all eyes are on India to declare the expiry date of coal. To get a ringside understanding of this complex issue, we invited Dr. Anil Kumar Jain. He has held senior positions at key ministries of petroleum, environment, NITI Aayog, and the erstwhile Planning Commission. He recently retired as the secretary, ministry of coal where he initiated a division and dialogue on just transition in the country's coal sector. Jain has also authored two books on India's natural gas sector and holds a Ph.D. on the same. He has served as a bureaucrat for 3 decades. Books by Anil Kumar Jain: Natural Gas in India: Challenges and Opportunities - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60789642-natural-gas-in-india Natural Gas in India: Liberalisation and Policy - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13689725-natural-gas-in-india Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin Podcast Producer, Tejas Dayananda Sagar on Twitter and Linkedin

The upcoming COP27 is expected to set the tone for developing economies to strengthen their climate-focused demands from the developed world. Adaptation solutions, loss and damage funds, and enhanced climate financing are likely to be the focus areas. Though the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine war and impending recession might impact negotiations, it is no doubt that climate-related challenges faced by the African nations will be under the spotlight. To discuss the issues and challenges faced by the developing countries and how Africa can negotiate a deal at COP27 that benefits the continent, we talked with James Irungu Mwangi, Executive Director, Dalberg Group in Kenya. James Mwangi is a sustainable development and inclusive growth expert with a career spanning more than two decades in public policy, energy and strategic planning. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube James Mwangi 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

For any meaningful climate action in India, the 28 Indian states and 8 union territories will have to play a crucial role. They have to maintain nodes of implementation of climate plans. But are the states ready to embrace the national and international ambitions of climate action? Could pushing central targets lead to more tussle between centre and states? Would states have the governance structures and stakeholder capacity for transforming their energy economies? To understand the role of states in the Indian energy transition, we interviewed Dr. Kartikeya Singh, Director of the Global Energy Futures Initiative at the Climate Imperative Foundation. Dr. Singh has worked for decades fostering energy transition and climate action in Indian states along with helping these states build global partnerships. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube Kartikeya Singh 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

If India wants to achieve its net zero goal by 2070, energy storage technologies will have to play a crucial role. From battery to pump storage, several different technologies are now commercially available in 5 countries and several others are at the R&D stage. They would all need to be deployed at a scale several magnitudes higher than today as India embarks on the path of the energy transition. And this would require policy push, financial backing and reconciling with socio-economic issues. To understand the landscape of energy storage technologies and their future in India, we interviewed Dr. Rahul Walawalkar, President and Managing Director of Customized Energy Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. Rahul is also the founder and Executive Director for India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA). Rahul is considered India's foremost expert on energy storage, energy management, smart grid deployment and much more. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube Rahul Walawalkar 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

As COP27 inches closer, the promises and commitments made during the last global climate conference are under scrutiny. India which was the biggest surprise, thanks to its Net Zero target year announcement has been under the scanner for laying out its climate plans. The Union Cabinet recently approved India's Nationally Determined Contributions which though exhaustive, is still falling short on several fronts - major being climate adaptation. While mitigation measures are being given due importance, specific targets are yet to be drafted. In order for India, among other large economies, to step up its mitigation and adaptation efforts, it needs to raise ambition domestically, bringing policy coherence across the central and state governments, and ensuring access to finance from rich countries. To understand how India should prioritize its mitigation and adaptation efforts, we interviewed Harjeet Singh, Senior Adviser at Climate Action Network. Harjeet is a global expert on the issues of climate impacts, migration and adaptation and has spent two decades working in development sectors. Full transcript of the episode is available here Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube Harjeet Singh 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

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. Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube 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

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.

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

As it has been happening for years now, coal and power crisis has gripped India yet again. Severe heatwaves caused due to climate crisis coupled with mismatch in coal demand and supply, led to a nationwide power crisis. Electricity distribution utilities are resorting to power cuts, Centre is pushing imported coal and ministries of coal and railways are at loggerheads. To guide us through this maze of crisis, our host Dr. Sandeep Pai spoke with two journalists with their ears on the ground. Sarita C Singh, a seasoned energy journalist and an expert on fossil fuels and energy policies...along with our co-host Shreya Jai, senior energy and climate journalist.