Mint’s annual conclave on energy - EnergyScape

comes during the most unprecedented period that the world has ever witnessed. EnergyScape, a phygital event this year will focus on re-imagining India’s clean energy space’s future, with the country undergoing an energy transition. The conclave this year also comes in the run-up to United Nations Climate Change Conference, (COP-26 )to be held in Glasgow later this year. With the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stating that the extreme weather events will impact lives, livelihoods, and businesses in India and South Asia, nations such as ours are facing a clear and present danger with environmental security being a key focus area. 

In its bid to cement its climate leadership position, India has been working on a raft of measures including clean electricity, ethanol blending with fossil fuels, green mobility, battery storage, and green hydrogen to help reduce pollution and facilitate commitments made at COP-21 in Paris. India’s push for green energy has borne results, with the country crossing the 100 gigawatt (GW) milestone of installed renewable energy capacity.

This energy transition also comes at a time when India’s power demand is growing,  with the country’s peak electricity demand recording an all time high of 200.57 GW on 7 July. Also, in a reaffirmation of India’s push for green energy sources, solar and wind generation recorded an all-time high of 43.1 GW on 27 July.

The government on its part has been trying to usher in next-generation power sector reforms through the landmark Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 that aims to de-license the power distribution business in the backdrop of fund-starved state electricity distribution companies (discoms) reneging on their power purchase contracts. Also, the government is rolling out the marquee ₹3.03 trillion power discom reform scheme to reduce losses. 

As part of Mint’s tradition of initiating conversations on contemporary trends, this year’s phygital conclave will also focus on the strategic imperatives before India’s energy sector, given the increased state of hostilities in the subcontinent. The conclave will also help understand India’s playbook of becoming an integral part of global supply chains following the coronavirus pandemic that originated in Wuhan. Participation from policymakers, industry captains, academicians, and top bureaucrats who will debate and discuss India’s new energy challenges in a world increasingly polarised by trade and geopolitical tensions.