
Mongabay series: Clean Energy
In response to global discussions on climate change, India has been steadily increasing the growth rate for renewable energy vis-à-vis conventional energy. The years 2016-17 and 2018-19 averaged an annual growth rate of around 24% for the renewable sector, and it has been continuing since then. Reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy is the overall objective of the transition to clean energy. For this to happen effectively, a host of factors need to come together, including policy support for renewables, improved grid connectivity, better pricing, etc. It also requires larger public support, which would strengthen the hands of the policymakers. A vibrant and robust discussion on the clean energy transition can support and strengthen the public as well as policy understanding, discussions and decision making. Through the Clean Energy series, Mongabay-India aims to explore the nuances that build the larger picture of India's clean energy ambitions. This would include progress in the generation, transmission, distribution and pricing of renewable power. The series will also look at the efficacy of linking renewable power generation to local grids and the progress made towards making grid-linked systems viable for the producer-consumers. It will analyze the distribution between centralized, utility-scale installations vis-à-vis decentralized, rooftop installations.


Electricity rules amendment could improve green energy access for small consumers

Storing or reusing captured carbon is emerging as tool in energy transition

RBI report examines implications of climate change on economic growth and financial stability

Latest RBI guidelines to help mobilise domestic capital towards green activities

As renewable sector grows, need for regulating it comes to the fore

[Interview] Global South needs to come together for a better just transition deal, says Louise Naudé

Hydropower projects vulnerable to warming climate and increased precipitation

A centralised power market will help in savings, support green energy producers, hints study

New thermal power plants mandated to use renewable sources to generate part of their energy

Incentives to boost demand, increase in e-buses in Tamil Nadu’s latest EV policy

Water is needed for green hydrogen production, but concerns remain about its availability

India’s norms for pumped storage hydro projects aim to facilitate energy storage

Organic agriculture critical for generating indigenous, clean fuel

Green building regulations give impetus to sustainable data centers in India

Decentralised solar is transforming rural India, needs an extra push

Net-zero buildings in India witness a rise but lack government guidelines, regulations

[Interview] Purnima Jalihal on the evolution and future of ocean energy systems in India

[Interview] Ajay Kumar Rastogi on leading India’s first just transition task force

Denial of clearance to Etalin hydel project offers relief to some; may impact Arunachal’s hydropower development plan
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter

Environment And Health
- As heatwaves projected to worsen across India, do vulnerability assessments and heat action plans suffice?
- Assam’s North Lakhimpur treats 40 years of legacy waste in just nine months
- Varying levels of microplastics detected in sea salt produced across India
- Decline in pollinators linked to half a million premature human deaths every year, shows study

Almost Famous Species
- The gharial attempts a second comeback with help from the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
- Understanding the role of local communities in the conservation of critically endangered rhino rays
- Citizen scientists help discover a blind catfish species hidden inside Kerala’s aquifers
- Flying is riskier for female katydids, finds India’s first insect radio telemetry study

Eco Hope
- [Interview] Conservation scientist Joli Rumi Borah on integrating traditional knowledge in research
- [Interview] Scientist Ruth DeFries on deforestation: There isn’t one driver, there’s a different context in different places
- India budgets for mangroves and wetlands
- Working with biomaterials to add to the sustainable energy mix

India's Iconic Landscapes
- Experts call for coexistence, sustainable development as tiger population is close to saturation
- Ain’t no mountain high enough: alien invasive plants increasing in higher elevations
- Unplanned, faulty buildings tremble under weather events in the fragile Himalayan regions
- Nourishing soils of Kashmir’s karewas crumble under infrastructure

Beyond Protected Areas
- Habitat loss due to tourism in the Western Ghats pushes endangered frogs to the edge
- Alligator gar fish found in Dal lake raises concerns
- The art and science of elephant whispering
- Scientists develop a toolkit to identify high conservation-value areas

Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- How a drought-prone village in Maharashtra attained agricultural success with millets
- Thirunelly’s seed festival celebrates traditional climate-resilient seeds and farm produce
- [Explainer] Why is 2023 the International Year of Millets? What do we achieve by celebrating such years?
- Nations adopt Global Biodiversity Framework amid concerns over watered-down targets

Just Transitions
- Bauxite mining in Jharkhand is impacting soil fertility, people’s health
- Incentives to boost demand, increase in e-buses in Tamil Nadu’s latest EV policy
- Electricity transition in India’s renewable-rich states needs to accelerate, says study
- [Interview] Ajay Kumar Rastogi on leading India’s first just transition task force
