The Ashoka Centre for People-Centric Energy Transition organized a consultation workshop to address the challenges of securing a stable supply of critical minerals essential for India's energy transition. The discussions focused on vulnerabilities in mineral supply chains, strategies to improve resource efficiency, and the role of the circular economy in material recovery.

Experts from ACPET, ICRIER, and CSEP shared insights on reducing India’s dependence on imports, enhancing recycling rates, and promoting vertical integration in mineral processing to bolster domestic capabilities. ACPET presented mineral demand projections for clean energy technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above, aligned with India’s Net-Zero target for 2070. ICRIER highlighted innovative recycling technologies and mineral recovery through circular practices, while CSEP examined the geographical distribution of mines and the monopolistic tendencies of key players at various extraction stages.

The workshop emphasized collaboration among stakeholders to establish sustainable practices, strengthen domestic capabilities, and develop effective frameworks for critical mineral supply chains and circular economy principles. Participants collectively committed to tackling the challenges of India’s energy transition, crafting strategies for sustainable mineral supply, and supporting renewable energy goals with a balance between environmental and economic priorities.

The event fostered strong stakeholder relationships and laid the groundwork for future planning in the mineral resource sector, demonstrating the critical need for innovation and cooperation to advance India’s energy transition.

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The consultative workshop on DISCOM decarbonization strategies, held on December 20, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, organized by ACPET with support from HSBC India and partners like Trust Bridge, Engenuity, and Tata Power, brought together experts from leading organizations. Discussions centered on a least-cost optimization model for hybrid renewable energy, innovative financing methods like carbon credits, and policies for renewable integration and load forecasting. Contributions from Trust Bridge on solarizing agriculture and WRI on state-level energy management highlighted actionable solutions for sustainable DISCOM operations. The workshop paved the way for DISCOM decarbonisation strategies for future using AI ML and Least Cost Optimization based models.

Click here for detailed report Key Partners: HSBC India, Trust Bridge and Engenuity

On December 10, 2024, the Ashoka Centre for People-Centric Energy Transition (ACPET) celebrated a significant milestone in the Trans-Mine project by organizing an orientation event in the Rajhara Coalfield. The event introduced two important initiatives: the installation of Solar-Lift Irrigation (SLI) pumps along with the formation of a Water User Committee to oversee its operations and maintenance and the establishment of a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) to support agro- horticultural harvests and their byproducts. ACPET is facilitating the overall project with support from HSBC, along with on-field implementation partners EKgaon, Vikas Sahyog Kendra, and Greenovera.

The orientation program on 10th December 2024 featured insights from key stakeholders. Mr. Vaibhav Chowdhary, the Director of ACPET, emphasized the significance of collective responsibility for the project's success and how this project can bring transformative change to the lives of mining communities. Mr. Vijay Pratap Singh, the CEO of EKgaon, emphasized the importance of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in creating a strong agricultural ecosystem in regions affected by discontinued coal mining. Mr. Animesh Ghosh, a Research Fellow at ACPET, discussed the role of the Water User Group in operating and maintaining Solar Lift Irrigation pumps, specifically addressing the unique challenges faced in the Coalfield region. Mr. Jawahar Mehta, Chairman of Vikas Sahyog Kendra (VSK), emphasized the importance of these projects for the sustainable development of the Rajahara community. Mr. Chandan Kumar, Gram Panchayat Pradhan of Rajahara, warmly welcomed the efforts of ACPET, Ashoka University.

The event was instrumental in encouraging active community participation and laid a robust foundation for the initiative's long-term self-sustainability.

Key Partners: Greenovera, Ekgaon, Vikas Sahyog Kendra (VSK).

The conference brought together diverse stakeholders from academia, think tanks, government, and civil society to ideate possible policy and on-ground solutions for communities that are impacted by mine closure. It began with a welcome address by Vaibhav Chowdhary, Director, ACPET. Vaibhav introduced Ashoka University’s Centre on People Centric Energy Transition and shared the macro contours of the project i.e. objective, approach and methodology, location, partners, timelines and potential deliverables etc. Dr. Anindya Sinha, Former CIL and Project Advisor, explained the rationale for selecting the Rajhara mine site of CCL, while Dr. Manish Kumar, Director of CEED discussed sustainable energy transition challenges and opportunities in Jharkhand. Ms. Trapti Malviya, the survey partner from Athena Infonomics, shared primary survey findings. The keynote speaker for the conference Dr. B. Veera Reddy, CDM CCL and Director CIL, emphasized the importance of sustainable and underground coal production until viable alternatives are available. Mr Ajay Kumar Rastogi, Chairman - Government of Jharkhand’s Just Energy Task Force, stressed the need for capacity building, policy changes, and stakeholder involvement in a just transition. He highlighted the importance of repurposing mining land for economic purposes, developing alternative industries, and setting up education hubs. The consultation concluded with a Q&A session, focusing on investment challenges, forest and agriculture-based industries, and evolving mindsets towards energy transition.

List of participants: Coal India Limited (CIL), Central Coalfields Limited (CCL),Government of Jharkhand, Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), Just Transition Research Centre, IIT Kanpur , Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED), and Athena Infonomics.

The first workshop on “Energy Transition Financing,” supported by HSBC and organized by the Ashoka Centre for People-Centric Energy Transition, featured prominent speakers discussing renewable energy’s demand and supply side. Divided into three sessions, the workshop covered unleashing demand, exploring financing methods, and creating a futuristic financing model. Key highlights included the need for financing to address rural and social enterprise needs, particularly in lagging tribal areas. Financing through CSR funds, blended finance models, and green bonds were discussed, emphasizing economic development and community involvement. The workshop underscored the importance of integrating microgrids with grid infrastructure and the need for sustainable, long-term battery solutions for solar-based enterprises. The sessions highlighted the necessity of scaling up financing with a focus on community engagement, regulatory improvements, and cost-reflective tariffs for successful energy transitions, aiming for a sustainable future with inclusive gender considerations and true price discovery of power. The participating organisations included Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN), Mlinda Charitable Trust (MCT), Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF), HCL Foundation, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), IRAVATI, Tata Power DDL, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), NTPC School of Business, UN WOMEN, Indian Council for Circular Economy (ICCE) and Council for Social Development(CSD).