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The role of renewables for rapid transitioning of the power sector across states in India

Author

Listed:
  • Ashish Gulagi

    (LUT University)

  • Manish Ram

    (LUT University)

  • Dmitrii Bogdanov

    (LUT University)

  • Sandeep Sarin

    (Wärtsilä Corporation)

  • Theophilus Nii Odai Mensah

    (LUT University)

  • Christian Breyer

    (LUT University)

Abstract

Recent events like heatwaves and abnormal rainfall are a glimpse of the devastating effects of human induced climate change. No country is immune to its effects, but a developing country like India is particularly vulnerable. This research, for the individual states of India, explores the technical feasibility and economic viability of a renewable transition pathway for the power sector. Based on the assumptions of this study, we show that a renewables-based power system by 2050 is lower in cost than the current coal dominated system, has zero greenhouse gas emissions and provides reliable electricity to around 1.7 billion people. Electricity generation will be based on solar PV, wind energy, and hydropower, while batteries and multi-fuel reciprocating internal combustion engines based on synthetic fuels provide the required flexibility to the power system. This transition would address multiple imperatives: affordability, accessibility, and sustainability without compromising economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashish Gulagi & Manish Ram & Dmitrii Bogdanov & Sandeep Sarin & Theophilus Nii Odai Mensah & Christian Breyer, 2022. "The role of renewables for rapid transitioning of the power sector across states in India," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-33048-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33048-8
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    1. Ordonez, Jose Antonio & Jakob, Michael & Steckel, Jan Christoph & Ward, Hauke, 2023. "India's just energy transition: Political economy challenges across states and regions," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    2. Lohrmann, Alena & Farfan, Javier & Lohrmann, Christoph & Kölbel, Julian Fritz & Pettersson, Frank, 2023. "Troubled waters: Estimating the role of the power sector in future water scarcity crises," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).

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