Toward a low-carbon transition in India

Area of Science:

• Energy Policy
• Environmental Justice
• Societal Impacts of Energy

Background:

• The electricity sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions.
• Existing energy policies often overlook or exacerbate social inequities.
• A comprehensive approach is needed for sustainable and equitable energy transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the dual objectives of carbon mitigation and inequity reduction in electricity sector policies.
• To highlight the interconnectedness of environmental and social goals in energy planning.
• To advocate for policy frameworks that promote both sustainability and justice.

Main Methods:

• Policy analysis framework development.
• Review of existing electricity sector regulations and their impacts.
• Case study analysis of policy interventions targeting emissions and equity.

Main Results:

• Policies focused solely on carbon mitigation can disproportionately burden vulnerable populations.
• Integrated strategies can achieve significant emissions reductions while improving energy access and affordability.
• The study identifies key policy levers for addressing both environmental and social dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Electricity sector policies must be designed with a dual mandate for carbon mitigation and inequity reduction.
• Achieving a just energy transition requires explicit consideration of social equity alongside environmental goals.
• Future policy development should prioritize integrated solutions for a sustainable and equitable energy future.