Women In The Solar Workforce
Energy Future|January - March 2020
It is important to evaluate where we are in terms of women’s participation in the renewable energy (RE) workforce. While there is a consensus regarding lower female participation in the RE workforce, the efforts towards the achievement of SDGs 5 and 7 are invisible due to their presence in the informal sector. In this article, Arunima Hakhu discusses the gender and employment in the RE sector and highlights that women self-help groups are crucial for the uptake of solar solutions in the informal sector.
Arunima Hakhu
Women In The Solar Workforce
The Indian energy sector is experiencing changes in line with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The ambitious target of a 33–35% emission intensity reduction with the conditional target of 40% power generation capacity by non-fossil fuels has enablers in the domestic policy sphere. Policies and missions such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, National WindSolar Hybrid Policy, and National Policy on Biofuels have been adopted along with National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency. As a result, while the share of renewable capacity grew at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 19% during 2010–19 (CEA, 2010, 2019), the emission intensity dropped by 21% (MoEFCC, 2018).

In addition, India is committed to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 7, that is, Gender Equality and Affordable and Clean Energy, through various schemes and policies. While efforts such as the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana are targeted at SDG 7 and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana and National Policy for Women are in line with SDG 5, both SDG targets are touched upon by the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. On the face of it, the transition to LPG seems to be the only intervention targeting SDGs 5 and 7 simultaneously. This article argues that there are efforts already underway visà-vis the achievement of both goals. It scrutinizes existing reports on gender-disaggregated employment creation in the renewable energy (RE) sector. Further, this article argues that while there is a consensus regarding lower female participation in RE workforce, the efforts towards achievement of SDGs 5 and 7 are invisible due to their presence in the informal sector.

Gender and Green Jobs

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RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

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Energy Future

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Power generation is the backbone of India’s solar sector. Sheela K Ramasesha highlights the merits of considering the solar molten salt tower technology in the country’s power mix to achieve a quicker and more efficient way of power production.

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LPG ADOPTION BY RURAL HOUSEHOLDS: Financial Instrument  to Push Refills
Energy Future

LPG ADOPTION BY RURAL HOUSEHOLDS: Financial Instrument to Push Refills

One of the major health hazards in India stems from household air pollution. The use of the traditional cooking stove, called chulha, involves burning of biomass, thereby releasing smoke that is a leading cause of illness and death. In this article, Debajit Palit, Martand Shardul, and Deborshi Brahmachari discuss the advantages of replacing biomass stoves with LPG and recommend an innovative financial instrument for increasing the uptake of LPG refills by rural households

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Energy Future

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In a report titled, ‘The India Energy Outlook 2021’, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said, the rapid expansion of solar power combined with favourable policies is transforming India’s electricity sector, allowing the country to offer clean, affordable, and reliable power to a growing number of households and businesses.

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January - March 2021
EMISSIONS CONTROL IN THERMAL POWER STATIONS: A Long Road to Cross
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EMISSIONS CONTROL IN THERMAL POWER STATIONS: A Long Road to Cross

In this article, Raghav Pachouri brings out the current situation and the challenges confronting us regarding emissions control in thermal power stations (TPSs) in India. While analysing the impact of the power sector on air pollution levels, he highlights the current status of compliance in India (especially Delhi-NCR and critically polluted areas) till June 2020 after revised emission norms for TPSs came into effect on December 7, 2015. He also dwells on the major roadblocks in the timely compliance of emission norms and also offers a few solutions.

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Energy Future

Managing Air pollution From Crop Burning

The perils of crop-residue burning contribute to major environmental degradation. In this article, TCA Avni and Sunil Dhingra discuss how the practice of stubble burning is responsible for poor air quality and loss of agricultural biodiversity. They highlight the importance of managing paddy residue and offer sustainable solutions, incentives, and alternatives to crop burning.

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Energy Future

CHINA SET TO ADD 140 GW RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY IN 2021

China is expected to add 140 GW of renewable energy power generation this year as its electricity consumption continues to grow, according to forecasts from the China Electricity Council (CEC).

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1 min  |
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