Thematic Areas

Our research focuses on how technologies can enable sustainable energy transition at the state level. Our initiatives in Tamil Nadu will help identify challenges and opportunities in developing and implementing technologies such as offshore wind, small wind turbine, solar-wind hybrid, energy storage and other renewable energy systems. Our focus is on looking at technological solutions that are scalable, cost-effective, and innovative for the state’s clean energy future.

In Tamil Nadu, we have assessed and prioritized new technologies for the state’s clean energy transition based on renewable energy potential, technology maturity, resource availability, economics, policies, and environmental impacts. Additionally, we have developed a Clean energy technologies hub to exchange best practices and learnings on the latest trends, challenges, opportunities and developments across states and regions with various stakeholders.

Our research efforts focus on supporting clean technology adoption, green procurement practices, and implementation of policies for C&I consumers. This includes providing comprehensive solutions that optimize energy consumption, improve operational efficiency, and implement favorable policies that can accelerate the industrial sector’s transition to sustainable forms of energy.

Our approach to work with this sector is data driven. We have undertaken surveys to understand the perspectives of C&I players in Tamil Nadu, particularly their inclination to shift away from the grid due to competitive renewable energy prices and in adopting potential solutions like green tariff that can increase the adoption of RE at the consumer level as well as support the utility in retaining their consumers.

Through collaboration with industry associations, government agencies, and academic institutions, our research also aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing and promote best practices within the C&I sector contributing to a greener future.

Our research focuses on shaping cities in Tamil Nadu towards a greener and more sustainable future by increasing renewable deployment and promoting energy efficiency. As the world undergoes rapid urbanization, cities face myriad challenges in achieving sustainability and resilience. Our efforts are dedicated towards optimizing energy consumption, improving energy efficiency, and promoting the integration of renewable energy sources, especially distributed resources within cities.

In Tamil Nadu, we have been instrumental in the development of a comprehensive city energy action plan for Madurai and recommending high priority actions for the city. We have also leveraged communication products like podcasts and local print media to raise awareness about distributed solar energy amongst consumers, which could help in transforming cities into sustainable and inclusive urban centers that could serve as role models for other cities in future. We have engaged with state government agencies to identify and streamline financing for low carbon strategies for urban built environment. We have also been working with GoTN’s Department of Environment Climate Change and Forests on developing tools and resources for construction of energy efficient and climate resilient buildings.

Through knowledge exchange, research and stakeholder engagement we aim to empower state and local officials and policymakers with the insights and knowledge needed to make informed decisions that prioritize sustainability in urban development. Our goal is to shape cities that are resilient to climate change, offer a high quality of life, and minimize environmental impacts. By doing so, we pave the way for a sustainable and livable future for urban communities.

Our efforts in this area are focused on conducting research and offering technical assistance to utilities for supporting in effective power procurement practices and integrated resource planning.

In Tamil Nadu, we developed Revenue and Tariff Analysis for Electric utilities (RATE) model in partnership with Prayas Energy Group to assess the impacts of different ‘what-if?’ scenarios on utility finances, aiming to support policy makers in making informed decisions. Additionally, we are closely analysing the implications of market mechanisms in state’s clean energy transition drawing on lessons learned from international experiences.

We actively collaborate with the state level stakeholders and support in capacity building initiatives to strengthen position while establishing a robust and sustainable energy infrastructure that facilitates Tamil Nadu’s transition towards sustainable energy.

Our research focuses on assisting state energy agencies in efficiently planning their energy supply to meet the growing demand to accommodate the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources in the electricity mix.

In Tamil Nadu, we utilized Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) to help state-level planners consider medium- to long-term capacity additions and retirements by comparing different scenarios and visualizing the annual supply-demand energy balance and associated avoided emissions till 2030. Our partner Auroville Consulting developed ‘Solva’, a python-based toolbox, to enable the simulation and analysis of modern power systems incorporating distributed renewable energy sources and ‘Solsavi’, a rooftop solar calculator tool, to propose the optimized rooftop solar systems with or without battery storage for the users.

An integrated energy planning approach can help strategically manage resources, build a resilient infrastructure, and embrace a diversified energy portfolio for a sustainable, reliable, and low-carbon energy future at the state level.