
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.


[Video] Rooftop solar, an emerging solution to Bihar’s land shortage that’s stalling renewable progress

[Analysis] Indian aviation’s turbulent path to sustainability

[Explainer] Can India sustainably manufacture and recycle EV batteries?

[Commentary] The Global Biofuels Alliance is an aspiration that needs careful direction

Investments in renewables need to triple to meet demand sustainably: report

India’s clean energy goals may widen regional disparities, predicts working paper

Glacial lake outburst floods are a growing threat to hydropower plants

No early warning system and insufficient dam safety turned Sikkim flood deadly

Off-grid, standalone solar pumps under government scheme remain underutilised

First tender for offshore wind energy expected end of this year, but sector wants more time to study sites

Climate action a priority in G20 Delhi Declaration

India steps up plans to explore critical minerals crucial to its clean energy transition

LPG subsidy can increase uptake, but interventions needed to counter myths and improve access

[Explainer] What is SF₆? Why should we be monitoring it?

The balance between expanding renewable projects and feeding India’s population

Study reveals G20 nations increased fossil fuel investments in 2022, defying climate goals

Glare hazard from solar panels, a safety concern for the airports switching to clean energy

The potential of mini-grids as a sustainable and economical alternative for global electrification

Speedy uptake of five-star rated fans needs government push to make them affordable, say experts
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
- [Commentary] Neglecting household biomedical waste management can lead to adverse environmental effects
- No magic bullets to deal with snakebites
- Six years on, cyclone Ockhi survivors battle lingering mental health impacts
- Gig workers in India are exposed to highly polluted air and carcinogens, finds preliminary study

Almost Famous Species
- Genetic insights of the Kempholey night frog offer better conservation strategies
- Saving India’s only ape, the hoolock gibbon
- [Interview] “Favourable conditions and diet important for ex-situ conservation of wild cats”
- A 100 camera traps to monitor rusty-spotted cats in Keoladeo National Park

Eco Hope
- Green pilgrimage model balances faith and conservation
- [Video] Restoring the perennial Thamirabarani river with people power
- [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's Iconic Landscapes
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
- Studies reveal impact of land use on species diversity in rock outcrops
- Improved tiger numbers come with hidden messages on invasives, habitat connectivity
- Gymnosperms that are critical for coniferous forest health may be steadily declining in response to climate change

Beyond Protected Areas
- Grassland loss threatens endemic birds in Arunachal sanctuary
- Genetic insights of the Kempholey night frog offer better conservation strategies
- Loss of forest cover in Kashmir is pitting a protected animal against the world’s costliest spice
- India following a global trend of forsaking environment protection for “national security,” paper says

Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- [Commentary] Erratic weather, altered social dynamics disrupt mahua economy in eastern India
- Horseshoe crab decline sparks urgent conservation plea
- Production of rugra, a nutritious mushroom found in Jharkhand, impacted by weather changes
- [Commentary] Soil degradation in India spells doom for millions

Just Transitions
- [Video] Rooftop solar, an emerging solution to Bihar’s land shortage that’s stalling renewable progress
- India needs to face challenge of funding thermal power plant closure, says new report
- With no primary data on impacts, government approves an oil extraction technique 500 m outside forests
- Climate action not on track to meet Paris Agreement goals, says Global Stocktake report
