Recently released by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and EMBER the “Indian States’ Energy Transition” Report has devised a scoring system called States’ Electricity Transition (SET) to measure performance.
The report analysed 16 states, which make up 90% of India’s annual power requirement. The performances of the states are assessed on four broad dimensions namely:
- Decarbonisation
- Performance of the Power System
- Readiness of the Power ecosystem
- Policies and Political commitments
Key Findings of the “Indian States’ Energy Transition” Report
The report says that Gujarat and Karnataka are showcasing a strong commitment towards clean energy adoption. Karnataka is the only Indian state which scored well across all four dimensions of clean electricity transition. The state has proactive policies for open access, solar park development and public awareness. When it comes to Gujarat the state scored just behind Karnataka in decarbonising its electricity sector. Other states such as Haryana and Punjab are also making strides and taking major steps in the electricity transition.
What did the Indian States Energy Transition Report say about Karnataka?
The policies of Karnataka are responsible for the good performance in the energy sector. So far as the adoption of renewable energy is concerned Karnataka started early as compared to other states. The share of renewables in the power sector is 48% and is one of the highest in the country. The state has used only 11% of its total potential.
Rajasthan ranks second after Karnataka in terms of decarbonising power. As compared to the other states, Rajasthan had the largest renewable energy installed. Renewable energy contributes 29% of the total power. Gujarat is a little behind Karnataka in terms of decarbonising electricity.
Punjab and Haryana have been showing promising electricity transitions. Punjab has achieved implementing one-quarter of its renewable energy potential. Of all the states in the country, Haryana had very less coal-based power.
The state of Maharashtra had the highest demand for power in the country. Also, Maharashtra is facing difficulties in shutting down its old coal-based power plants. Renewable energy adoption in the state is very slow.
The states of Punjab and Haryana have shown promising improvements in adopting towards clean and green energy. Karnataka is leading and has pushed Gujarat behind in decarbonising the energy sector.
States need to explore multi-dimensional efforts for effective and sustainable transition to clean electricity.
