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• Comprehensive review on individual and hybrid wind-solar energy policy. • Evolution and current status of Indian wind and solar energy policy framework. • Techno-economic parameters for the hybridization of wind and solar power projects. • Barriers and recommendation regarding renewable energy policies. Wind and solar energy are currently the most prominent and reliable sources of renewable energy. Wind and solar power deployment largely depend on government policies and have a specific policy and regulatory provisions. The declaration of hybrid wind–solar policy has changed the dynamics of individual wind and solar power projects by introducing the scope for developing hybrid power projects to harness wind and solar energy simultaneously. The techno-economic structure and the existing scenarios of the fractional contribution of wind and solar sectors are going to play an important role in the development of hybrid power projects. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of the impact of the existing individual wind and solar energy policies along with the recently declared hybrid policy in India and how this hybrid policy will affect the techno-economic structure of the existing and new power projects. Further, various kind of barriers faced by project developers while establishing renewable energy-based power projects and recommendations which can be practically implemented have been elaborated to facilitate and achieve the faster deployment of wind and solar power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability transition of electricity sectors is a matter of competition between multiple emerging renewable systems and dominant, established conventional systems. These transitions are multi-dimensional and are featured with non-linear and causal interactions between social, technical, economic and political components. Understanding the dynamic of transitions, i.e. how transitions unfold, can inform effective policy interventions. This paper aims to present a narrative-modelling approach to improve the understanding and description of transition dynamics in electricity sectors. The central ideas of the paper are: (1) the use of qualitative transition narratives helps to capture the co-evolving nature of society and technology which are simplified in modelling approaches; (2) narratives, with concepts from the sustainability transitions field, also guide the development of a model structure; and (3) computational models, in return, reproduce the complexity of transition dynamics, i.e. feedback loops, non-linearity, and time delays—the features which are impracticable to analyse with transition narratives alone. We use the historical transition of India's electricity sector to demonstrate the implementation of our proposed approach. First, an overview of the transition narratives is presented and the model structure, developed based on the narratives, is explained. Then, it is argued how the coupling of the narratives and model improves our understating of the positive impacts as well as the side-effects of stable feed-in tariffs and accelerated depreciation on the penetration levels of wind and solar electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Majority of the power generation in India is carried out by conventional energy sources, coal and fossil fuels being the primary ones, which contribute heavily to greenhouse gas emission and global warming. The Indian power sector is witnessing a revolution as excitement grips the nation about harnessing electricity from various renewable energy sources. Electricity generation from renewable sources is increasingly recognized to play an important role for the achievement of a variety of primary and secondary energy policy goals, such as improved diversity and security of energy supply, reduction of local pollutant and global greenhouse gas emissions, regional and rural development, and exploitation of opportunities for fostering social cohesion, value addition and employment generation at the local and regional level. This focuses the solution of the energy crisis on judicious utilization of abundant the renewable energy resources, such as biomass, solar, wind, geothermal and ocean tidal energy. This paper reviews the renewable energy scenario of India as well as extrapolates the future developments keeping in view the consumption, production and supply of power. Research, development, production and demonstration have been carried out enthusiastically in India to find a feasible solution to the perennial problem of power shortage for the past three decades. India has obtained application of a variety of renewable energy technologies for use in different sectors too. There are ample opportunities with favorable geology and geography with huge customer base and widening gap between demand and supply. Technological advancement, suitable regulatory policies, tax rebates, efficiency improvement in consequence to R&D efforts are the few pathways to energy and environment conservation and it will ensure that these large, clean resource bases are exploited as quickly and cost effectively as possible. This paper gives an overview of the potential renewable energy resources in Indian context while evaluating the present status, the energy demand of the country and forecast consumption and production, with the objective to evaluate and assess whether India can sustain its growth and its society with renewable resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an enquiry into the role of State policies in influencing wind installed capacity. The paper studies the impact of policies on deployment of wind potential across the States of India over two decades. Aggregate indices are computed for each of the seven wind resourceful States of India indicating attractiveness for installed capacity of wind energy. For computing the indices, four policies, Feed-in-Tariff, Renewable Purchase Obligation, Banking facility, and Wheeling charges are considered. Panel data techniques are then employed to investigate the impact of the policy differences on wind potential deployment over the 19 year period (1993–2012) after controlling for three State-specific factors. The controlling factors include per-capita income of the State, power deficit, and ratio of installed capacity of wind to geographic potential indicating unmet capacity. The results show that that policy index positively impacts wind deployment whether control variables are included or not. Moreover, the control factors like the per-capita income of the State and unmet capacity have positive influence over the investment in wind energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper seeks to examine the effects of electricity generation efficiency on the index of human capital in India over 1980–2021 through the novel multi threshold non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model. We find strong evidence that the effects of efficiency in the generation of electricity on human development have varied across thresholds/quantiles. We suggest that, for improving human development in India by suitable energy policies, both policy makers and the public sector managers will need to make directed efforts to use most robust and energy saving technologies in the electricity generation process. • The study addresses the relationship between efficiency in the electricity generation process and human development. • The MTNARDL method is used because conditional mean analysis failed to provide the inner dynamics of the relationship. • We find strong evidence that the said relationship varied across thresholds/quantiles in the short and long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication biomass energy resource, potential, energy conversion and policy for promotion implemented by Government of India are discussed. The total installed capacity for electricity generation in India is 2666.64 GW as on 31st March 2013. Renewable energy is contributed 10.5% of total generation out of which 12.83% power is being generated using biomass. India has surplus agricultural and forest area which comprises about 500 million metric tons of biomass availability per year. In India total biomass power generation capacity is 17,500 MW. At present power being generated is 2665 MW which include 1666 MW by cogeneration. The various category of biomass in India is also discussed in this paper. And the research reveals that India has large potential for bio mass feed stock from different sources. Government of India deployed different policies and executed that the strategies for biomass power generation. Such approaches have included the whole biomass energy sector which incorporated the bio gas, bio diesel etc. in the policies. Government of India has focused on the deployment and development biomass energy sector with strategic policy and program which is notable portion of this review paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Well designed Renewable Energy (RE) policies and their effective regulation is the key to promote RE generation in the world. Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism is a market-based policy instrument which facilitates Renewable (Energy) Purchase Obligations (RPOs) in order to increase RE generation in a country. The recently conceived and implemented REC mechanism in India attempts to involve various stakeholders in an economically efficient manner and has been effective in its first year of operation. The paper commences with the background and the genesis of REC mechanism in India. It characterises the REC trading mechanism and analyses the performance of the REC market for the FY 2011–12. Comparing the financial viability for sale of RE by project developers in certain key states, the paper shows that REC mechanism is more profitable than entering into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for sale of RE at Preferential Tariff (Feed-in-Tariffs). Thus, the REC market which has attained a size of 2.3 billion INR in its first year of existence is forecasted to grow manifold in the future and the paper attempts to forecast the market size in near term. Further analysis of the REC market reveals that although there are inherent advantages of the REC mechanism over other methods of promoting growth of RE, the market is currently subject to various distortions and the paper suggests few steps for correcting these distortions by appropriate market re-design. The paper concludes that the REC market mechanism has gained momentum and can effectively promote RE generation in an economically efficient manner, with benefits to all stakeholders, provided it is strictly implemented and continuous corrections are given in the right direction by the market regulator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An innovative energy model is explored for techno-economic feasibility evaluation, taking into consideration the geographical advantages, government policies, regional incentives and energy certificates. In India, two energy certification schemes have been started, namely, the Renewable Energy Certification (REC) mechanism, successfully implemented in India during 2011, and the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) for the Enhanced Energy Efficiency Programme in 2012. This paper reviews the state of the art in designing an energy model at a specific location, with the consideration of solar, wind and ground sources for renewable energy and fossil fuel, to gain optimum performances in energy certificate scenario. The key design issues about boundary and target settings for REC and PAT energy certificates are discussed to review the financial performance of the schemes taking into considerations energy generators, designated consumers and traders in the market. Due to major impact of micro-medium and small industries (MSME) on Indian economy, this paper discusses the possibilities of inclusion of MSME in PAT scheme. One more addition in PAT scheme, with respect to large unit with marginal available fund for technology upgradation/financially sick unit, invites the creation of consolidated fund, which will support technology absorption and role of state Government policies for funding this mechanism. The energy model provides the estimation and prediction of hybrid power generation in regard to the parameters of resource potential, technology, efficiency and consumption pattern. The monitoring, statistical and prediction model with inbuilt mechanism for REC and PAT incentives is explored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is a growing consensus that universalization of modern energy services is central to reducing major elements of poverty and hunger, to increase literacy and education, and to improve health care, employment opportunities, and lives of women and children. In India, as per 2011 census, over 700 million people lack access to modern energy services for lighting, cooking, water pumping and other productive purposes. Devoid of these services people, mostly women, are forced to spend significant amounts of their time and effort on subsistence activities like firewood collection, carrying these head load for miles, and then burning these hard earned fuels inefficiently in traditional chullas. These adversely affect the health and standard of living for women and act as a barrier to gender development (here ‘gender’ means women unless otherwise specified). Although the links between gender inequity, poverty, and energy deprivation have been studied by many, not many practical solutions to the above problems have emerged. The present paper explores the nexus among gender–energy–poverty, highlights areas of gender concern, and suggests actions. We analyze how women from rural areas and low income households are at the receiving ends of energy poverty. We then analyze the roles women as an important stakeholders in universalizing modern energy services. We show how women self-help groups can be a vital link in large-scale diffusion of energy-efficient and renewable technologies. The paper concludes with policy pointers for sustainable development and gender empowerment through energy solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discrete choice experiments are increasingly utilized to inform policy makers in various fields in energy on consumer preferences and willingness to pay values. When translating the results into policy recommendations, it is often difficult for non-experts to understand the underlying implications of different models and associated behavioral assumptions. In this paper, I review proposed methods to compare the two most frequently applied models, the random parameters logit model and the latent class logit model and investigate the challenges in and implications of model choice for policy makers and practitioners. As an example application, I use data from a discrete choice experiment on private households’ preferences for electricity supply quality in Hyderabad, India. The procedures used in the comparative analysis – measures of fit, tests for non-nested models, kernel density estimates of conditional willingness to pay values and choice probabilities – emphasize the difficulties in finding the ‘correct’ model. The methods presented here can be readily used by other researchers to better understand model performance which ultimately contributes to improving model choice in applied energy research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although independent regulatory agencies are emerging worldwide, there remains little understanding about how they operate in practice, particularly in developing countries. This paper seeks to examine the practice of electricity regulation in India, using case studies of three state-level electricity regulators. Based on documentary analysis and interviews with regulators, government, utilities and stakeholders, the paper examines how regulation is shaped by institutional and political context, how regulators make decisions in practice, and how they engage with stakeholders and with what effects. Based on the Indian experience, we suggest that in a rapidly changing electricity sector, the separation between the political and economic content of regulatory decisions, as is often advocated, may not be feasible or indeed desirable. Instead, we suggest a more proactive regulatory approach where governments give regulators the latitude to proactively steer the sector. For this approach to be viable, regulators need to build adequate technical capacity, institutional legitimacy, and democratic legitimacy in their dealings with stakeholders. This approach entails a bolder, and more challenging vision of regulation, but one that promises greater transformational potential than does the model of technocratic and apolitical regulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The choice of domestic fuel is a matter of great concern for households and policy makers in India. This paper investigates the demand for domestic fuels when households face four choices: Fuelwood, Coal, Kerosene and LPG. The study is based on a survey of 500 households in Kolkata, India. The demand estimates are conducted using a two-stage process where the first stage investigates choice and the second the quantity used. Determinants of fuel demand are identified and their relative importance shown. Extending the study, the paper also analyses the choice of the main cooking fuel in terms of the households'' stated rankings of six fuels for five attributes. The policy discussion indicates that subsidies have less potential to reduce polluting fuels such as coal and fuelwood due to weak cross-price elasticities, while increased availability of LPG and potentially also increased awareness of indoor air pollution have greater prospect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mitigation of global energy demands and climate change are the most important factors in the modern days. Development and application of solar energy have been regarded by the government of India and common people, and they thought that solar photo voltaic energy can provide more energy in future compare to other renewable energies. In the last decade, solar photovoltaic energy research and development has supported by the central government and state governments. This paper discusses the progress of current solar photovoltaic energy in India. It highlights the renewable energy trend in India with major achievements, state wise analysis of solar parks and industrial applications. Finally, it discusses the Indian government policies and initiatives to promote solar energy in India. This review on solar photovoltaic energy will help decision makers and various stakeholders to understand the current status, barriers and challenges for better planning and management in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy can play a strategic role in India in meeting the country’s growing energy demands, as well as combating climate change. Policymakers have recognized this potential and over the last decade have intensified their efforts towards creating a conducive regulatory and policy framework. Policy instruments such as renewable obligations, feed-in-tariffs and generation based incentives have specially aided the transformation towards large scale generation, enabling higher efficiency and lower costs of generation. However, financing has emerged as a significant barrier for sustaining the momentum gained in recent years. Given this background this paper provides an overview on the evolution of large scale generation and the consequent changes in financing requirements. It further reviews the emerging trends and barriers in the financing landscape and analyses the impact of policy performance in this context. Finally, it considers the design of a national renewable finance framework complete with targeted finance push instruments that can complement existing demand pull policies in facilitating investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realistic assessment of utilization potential of solar energy for thermal power generation and identification of niche areas/locations for this purpose is critically important for designing and implementing appropriate policies and promotional measures. This paper presents the results of a detailed analysis undertaken for estimating the potential of solar thermal power generation in India. A comprehensive framework is developed that takes into account (i) the availability of wastelands (ii) Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) (iii) wastelands that are habitat to endangered species and/or tribal population and/or that is prone to earthquakes and (iv) suitability of wasteland for wind power generation. Finally, using an approach developed for the allocation of wastelands suitable for solar power generation between thermal and photovoltaic routes, the potential of solar thermal power generation is assessed for two threshold values of DNI – 1800 kW h/m 2 and 2000 kW h/m 2 . With all the wastelands having wind speeds of 4 m/s or more allocated for wind power generation, the estimated potential for solar thermal power generation is 756 GW for a threshold DNI value of 1800 kW h/m 2 and 229 GW for a threshold DNI value of 2000 kW h/m 2 . Results obtained can be used for identification of best suited areas for solar thermal power generation in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of state level institutional differences in attracting FDI (foreign direct investment) in wind energy in India. The role of institutional differences is measured by means of constructing a policy index using five key policies in wind energy: feed-in-tariff, open access transmission, third party sale, banking, and wheeling charges. Panel data techniques are then employed to investigate the impact of the policy differences on FDI inflow in wind energy for eight Indian states that have significant resource potential over the seven year period (2004–05 to 2010–11) after controlling for several state-specific factors. The results indicate that state-specific policy index for wind energy is significant in attracting FDI in a state irrespective of whether control variables are included or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During the colonial times, electricity in India developed for a significant part thanks to British investment. Its growth remained modest and mainly linked to industrial needs, public lighting and common transportation. World War II stimulated industrial production and, consequently, the demand for electricity. The immediate years following the war were even more promising since the preparations for national Independence included a major restructuring of electricity generation and distribution. The 1948 Law on electricity and the first 5-year plans which began in 1951 set the framework for a major development. Instead of nationalization, India chose a policy which allowed for the participation of both private and public enterprises. British and Indian private investment responded positively to the change. At the beginning of the 1950s, the British presence was felt in the power industry. However, a decade later, it was already diminishing. This paper explains the nature of the policy which allowed a partnership between private and public sectors, the reasons why the latter finally prevailed over the former and the consequences on British investment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper introduces the approach and concept for DSM in India. A comprehensive methodology for implementing a DSM programme in India has been outlined. Detailed step wise action plan formulated for planning and implementing of DSM programme in India is presented. Various policies and regulations framed by India for promotion of DSM activities targeting different sectors are studied. The deficiencies in the existing regulatory and policy framework which have withheld deployment of DSM programmes on a large scale in India have been identified. A number of barriers and challenges that are needed to overcome for realizing the potential of DSM in India are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Most studies on household energy choices have considered income and education as suitable proxies for socio-cultural contexts, primarily because the available data on household energy is from census surveys which are mainly household consumption surveys, not focused energy surveys. Acknowledging the existing data constraints, a more focussed household energy survey was designed for rural India with the aim of better understanding determinants of current energy use patterns, energy choices, to measure the impacts of these factors, and importantly, arrive at key policy insights. This paper revisits the definition of access to include for reliability and quality going beyond conventional understanding. It also relooks at the role of gender in household energy choices. Having established that apart from income, socio-cultural factors may have a greater role in determining household energy choices, the model results indicate electricity access would have a positive impact on cooking energy choices only after meeting a minimum threshold requirement. As women move towards more formal employment, the odds of choosing cleaner fuels increase significantly. Thus, while macro-policies may provide important guidelines and the necessary framework, implementation strategies need to be designed at the local level through a participatory approach making energy an integral part of the development paradigm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biomass based energy generation is one of the major focus areas of renewable energy programs in India. The strength of India's biomass resources mostly lies in the agricultural sector. A large quantity of crop residue biomass is generated in India. However, crop residue biomasses are distributed resources with variation in spatio-temporal availability and its characteristics. Competing uses of residues also vary geographically. Therefore, local biomass databases are important for decentralized bioenergy programs. However, in India, state wise crop level biomass database is limited. The present paper assessed crop residue biomass and subsequently bioenergy potential in all the 28 states of India using crop statistics and standard procedure. A total of 39 residues from 26 crops cultivated in India are considered for the study. Overall, India produces 686MT gross crop residue biomass on annual basis, of which 234MT (34% of gross) are estimated as surplus for bioenergy generation. At state level, Uttar Pradesh produces the highest amount of crop residue amongst all the 28 states. Amongst all the crops, sugarcane produces the highest amount of surplus residue followed by rice. The estimated annual bioenergy potential from the surplus crop residue biomass is 4.15EJ, equivalent to 17% of India's total primary energy consumption. There exists variation from 679MJ (West Bengal) to 16,840MJ (Punjab) of per capita crop residue bioenergy potential amongst the states of India. The information generated in this study is expected to be useful for decentralized crop residue based energy planning by the states of India which in turn would positively influence the overall renewable energy growth in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: India's power generation capacity needs to be augmented to, support the growing demands for electricity. India, which has predominantly used fossil fuels to power its generators need to make a switch to clean energy fuels. But renewable sources form a miniscule portion (26GW,~12%) of India's overall installed power capacity (210GW). There is no contribution from offshore wind farms to the energy basket for India, as there is no policy framework to encourage the development of offshore wind farms. Several European countries have tapped the offshore wind energy potential to reduce their dependence on adopted by these countries to identify the core components (21 of them) of robust policy intervention. A detailed questionnaire was administered to 181 stakeholders of wind energy in India to seek their feedback on these building blocks. These core components (variables in research parlance) are then subjected to factor analysis to understand the underlying structure of the variables. The factor analysis logically reduces these 21 variables into five factors (Government support, fiscal and quota based incentives, availability of local expertise, capital for investments and building an enabling R&D ecosystem), which are then fed into a logistic regression model as ‘independent variables’ to predict the probability of growth of offshore wind energy (dependent variable) in the country. The logistic regression model gives the weight (the impact) of these independent variables in influencing the growth of offshore wind energy in India. It emerges that government support, fiscal and quota based incentives and building an enabling R&D ecosystem have a much higher impact on the growth of offshore wind energy for India. This paper fills the gap of absence of an empirically tested framework on offshore wind energy policy for India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: India and Indonesia are privileged with abundant biomass resource potentials, 23 Giga-watt (GW) and 50GW equivalents respectively, yet both countries harvest small proportions, with fundamentally different deployed policies and articulated strategies. In this regard, this paper focuses on analyzing evolution and deployment of different policies and execution of strategies by two countries. It analyzes the effects of the biomass energy policies and executed strategies in India and Indonesia with a holistic approach. Such an approach takes the policy and strategy of the whole biomass energy sector rather than a segmented and separated sector as biofuel, biogas, biodiesel, etc. Furthermore, how they have resulted in different outcomes is also addressed. Our analysis shows that India's biomass energy policy has evolved from incremental to more radical changes, while Indonesia's policy remains incremental. India has also a relatively more unified biomass energy strategy than Indonesia. India has been more focused on technology development and deployment along with strong institutional creation, whereas Indonesia has not been able to create any biomass sector supporting strong institutions. Therefore, in terms of biomass energy utilizations, India has demonstrated better performance than Indonesia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many developing countries like India are facing energy crisis due to increase in industrialization for various development programs. If this increase in demand is supplied from coal based thermal power plants, it will cause environment pollution and high cost of generation. So the best solution is to develop hydropower and small hydro power (SHP) plants in the country. India is endowed with these resources which are both viable and economically exploitable. In fact, hydro power is the second highest contributor of the energy consumed in the Indian power sector. At the present time, it is the only clean energy source that can be commercially developed on a large as well as small scale. Recently, hydropower and SHP have considered as most readily available, renewable and clean sources of electricity. They use the potential energy of rivers and supply more than 20% of total India’s electricity. SHP has also some advantages: They may be connected to conventional electrical distribution networks as a source of low-cost renewable energy. Alternatively, SHP projects may be built in isolated areas that would be uneconomic to serve from a network, or in areas where there is no national electrical distribution network so as to improve the quality of life. Therefore, this paper has been focused on the efforts to analyze the current status, future strategies and policies of hydropower development in India with special emphasis on SHP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) is one of India’s key policy and scientific experiments. The programme is audacious in its goal, deterministic in its approach, disjointed in its design, and challenged in its governance. Yet it holds the promise of transforming the lives of millions of Indians. This paper provides an analysis of the JNNSM in the Indian institutional context—in particular, in the context of the power sector reforms. It highlights the barriers to development and diffusion that have been dismantled though the use of appropriate policy tools, and those that still remain. It identifies the policy implementation challenges likely to be encountered in the case of grid-connected, roof-top, and off-grid applications as well as in the areas of research, development and technology transfer. Finally, it discusses a series of high-level approaches based on global best practices to address these remaining challenges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The future economic growth for India is likely to result in rapid and accelerated surge in energy demand, with expected shortages in terms of supply. Many of its current policies and strategies are aimed at the improvement and possible maximization of energy production from the renewable sector. It is also clear that while energy conservation and energy efficiency can make an important contribution, renewable energies will be essential to the solution and are likely to play an increasingly important role for providing enhanced energy access, reducing consumption of fossil fuels, and helping India pursue its low-carbon progressive pathway. However, most of the states in India, like the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, have experienced an energy crisis over a sustained period of time and the government both at center and state level has to embark upon with these pressing issues in a more sustainable manner and accordingly initiate various renewable energy projects within these states. This paper will provide a broad-spectrum view about the energy situation within Jammu and Kashmir and will highlight the current policies along with future strategies for the optimal utilization of renewable energy resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy sources and technologies have potential to provide solutions to the longstanding energy problems being faced by the developing countries like India. Solar energy can be an important part of India''s plan not only to add new capacity but also to increase energy security, address environmental concerns, and lead the massive market for renewable energy. Solar thermal electricity (STE) also known as concentrating solar power (CSP) are emerging renewable energy technologies and can be developed as future potential option for electricity generation in India. In this paper, efforts have been made to summarize the availability, current status, strategies, perspectives, promotion policies, major achievements and future potential of solar energy options in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sensitivity analysis is a technique that evaluates the model response to changes in input assumptions. Due to uncertain prices of primary fuels in the world market, Government regulations for sustainability and various other technical parameters there is a need to analyze the techno-economic parameters which play an important role in policy formulations. This paper examines the variations in technical as well as economic parameters that can mostly affect the energy policy of India. MARKAL energy simulation model has been used to analyze the uncertainty in all techno-economic parameters. Various ranges of input parameters are adopted from previous studies. The results show that at lower discount rate coal is the least preferred technology and correspondingly carbon emission reduction. With increased gas and nuclear fuel prices they disappear from the allocations of energy mix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Indian wind energy sector has seen a CAGR of more than 27% during the period 2002–2007. However, the annual capacity additions has been declining for the past 2 years and recently, India lost one place in the Global ranking on total installed wind capacity to China. While issues like unfavourable tariff, non-uniform state policies, unavailability of evacuation infrastructure, etc. can be attributed to the slower pace of capacity addition, the issue of unavailability of on-shore wind sites with sufficiently high wind velocity is expected to take centre stage in the next 2–3 years. Wind sites with low wind velocity make the investment unattractive to developers. Given the current situation, repowering as an investment option, which has already seen favourable response in countries like Germany and Denmark, would start maturing in India. This paper analyzes the present situation of the wind energy in India, evaluates the different wind energy market segments including repowering market, provides financial highlights of the repowering concept and ends with concluding remarks on major triggers which can set this concept in motion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Development is the enlargement of people''s choices. Optimal subsidy policy is intended to create the right incentives for each of the value chain participants. This paper contends that the interest subsidy offered by the Indian federal Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for solar thermal systems, through mainstream banking channels is superior in intent and outcome compared to the capital subsidy as currently offered for solar PV systems, routed through government controlled delivery channels. The interest subsidy enhances innovation, improves service delivery and expands the range of product available to consumers enjoying a wide range of endowments, thus leading to more inclusive development. The simple monopoly model developed by Atkinson [Atkinson AB. Capabilities, exclusion and the supply of goods. In: Basu K, Pattanaik P, Suzumura K, editor, Choice, Welfare and Development. Oxford University Press; 1995] is applied to the context of solar home systems to demonstrate price reduction and choice expansion in a liberalized market, facilitated by an interest subsidy scheme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy policy has to have a long-term perspective. To formulate it one needs to know the contours of energy requirements and options. Different approaches have been followed in literature, each with their own problems. A top down econometric approach provides little guidance on policies, while a bottom up approval requires too much knowledge and too many assumptions. Using top-down econometric approach for aggregate overall benchmarking and a detailed activity analysis model, Integrated Energy System Model, for a few large sectors, provides a unique combination for easing the difficulties of policy formulation. The model is described in this paper. Eleven alternate scenarios are built, designed to map out extreme points of feasible options. Results show that even after employing all domestic energy resource to their full potential, there will be a continued rise of fossil fuel use, continued importance of coal, and continued rise of import dependence. Energy efficiency emerges as a major option with a potential to reduce energy requirement by as much as 17%. Scenario results point towards pushing for development of alternative sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Following India's efforts to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases, there has been a transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, such as solar and wind, in the energy portfolio. The renewable energy sector is widely acknowledged as a fertile ground for employment creation, as it is labour-intensive. Against this backdrop, the main objective of this paper is to provide an empirical explanation of how the growth of renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, affects employment creation in India. The findings reveal that, despite a substantial investment in India's solar PV technology, the number of jobs created by the sector declined marginally from 164000 in 2017–114000 in 2018. India's estimated employment elasticity is just 0.004, implying that the level of employment does not show a significant positive response to changes in installed capacity. Almost 60 per cent of the global solar PV workforce is in China, which has become the leading country both in terms of installed capacity of global solar PV technology and manufacturing of solar PV cells and modules. The wide disparity in solar PV employment between India and China is explained by the former's excessive dependence on China for solar PV cells. Alongside climate conservation, India should, therefore, place more emphasis on revitalising the domestic solar manufacturing industry to bring about efficient use of the nation's untapped resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The last decade has seen a surging demand for biofuels in the wake of increasing oil prices and rising environmental concerns. The most common biofuel is bio-ethanol accounting for more than 90% of total biofuel usage. It is increasingly produced from sugar cane making cane a strategic crop for biofuels. Given the growing demand for “green” fuels, bio-ethanol production has been supported by energy policies in the past decade, which have consequently been accused of contributing to the global trend of rising food prices and thus jeopardising food security. However, while biofuel policies are an important driver, prices as much as food security will ultimately be determined by supply constraints of strategic crops. This paper hence investigates drivers of and constraints to sugar cane production in China and India and shows that supply side constraints vary significantly in the two countries. China and India both face serious limitations with regard to suitable available land for the further expansion of sugar cane production. Equally they are both faced with challenges to increasing yield output per hectare, albeit different ones. With regard to productivity, China achieved 2.7% annual yield growth since 1997, while India has seen yield decreases of −0.1%p.a. over the same period. The authors conclude that cane used as a feedstock to meet the rising energy demand will come at the expense of converting fertile land for non-food purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Asia’s largest biofuels producers are currently Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, China and India. This paper first examines the current status of biofuels in these countries, including the national development targets, strategies, incentives and policies. It then identifies the fundamental driving forces behind the development and promotion of these industries and considers their economic, social and environmental impacts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]