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Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
India's solar potential could far exceed previous assessments
A recent study estimates that India's total solar potential could reach 10,830 gigawatts (GW), far exceeding previous assessments and identifies new opportunities across both conventional and innovative applications of solar energy. A reassessment by the Delhi-based The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has unveiled that this potential is nearly 15 times the country's earlier estimated potential of 748 GW. The report titled, 'Reassessment of Solar Potential in India: A Macro-level Study', aims to offer a renewed perspective on the country's solar energy potential. The study identifies untapped solar avenues critical to achieving India's 2070 net-zero goal and advancing its Paris Agreement commitments, according to a TERI press release. These are new opportunities across both conventional and innovative applications of solar energy. The TERI reassessment covers a wide range of categories, including ground-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) on barren and unculturable land with an estimated potential of 4,909 GW, floating solar PV with 100 GW, rural and urban rooftop solar PV with a combined potential of 960 GW, agri-PV for horticulture crops, coffee, and tea plantations with 4177 GW, the press release adds. As stated in a TERI policy brief, India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) were updated in August 2022, setting the target of reduction of emission intensity by 45% by 2030, over the 2005 level, and achieving about 50% cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil-based energy resources by 2030, and reaching net-zero by 2070. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 will require a huge expansion of non-fossil energy sources, with solar energy playing the significant role. TERI's study estimates that the electricity demand will exceed 5000 TWh by 2050. It is well recognised now that solar power will form a major share of the clean energy mix in the country. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India in 2014, estimated India's solar potential at 748 GW, based on considering three per cent of wastelands for calculating solar potential. However, considering the growing demand, the advent of new solar applications, and the limitation posed by the assessed potential, there is a need to revisit the assumption forming the basis of the potential estimation, the TERI policy brief adds. The brief highlights that achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 will require a huge expansion of non-fossil energy sources, with solar energy playing the major role. TERI's study estimates that the electricity demand will exceed 5,000 TWh by 20501. Furthermore, as another TERI discussion paper, 'India's Journey to Net Zero: A Conceptual Framework for Analysis', projects that India's electricity consumption could grow five to six times, eventually peaking at levels comparable to the present levels of consumption in the European Union (EU) – equivalent to a per capita consumption of 6687 kWh or a total consumption of approximately 9362 TWh. This highlights the critical role of solar energy in decarbonizing India's power sector. Beyond this point, electricity consumption is expected to plateau. The reassessment study by TERI revisits the solar potential of conventional areas like barren and unculturable lands and explores additional avenues to increase the country's solar potential estimates. Based on literature review and macro analysis through various assumptions made by the authors, the study re-evaluates the country's solar potential. The categories considered and their estimated solar potential, based on the norm of three acres per MW for ground mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable and floating solar PV. The study finds that ground-mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable lands alone accounts for 4909 GW, with Rajasthan contributing the highest at 1234.6 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 731.3 GW, Maharashtra at 606.7 GW, and Gujarat at 592.6 GW. Floating solar PV systems, using water surfaces of inland reservoirs, tanks, tanks, ponds, and aquaculture zones, are estimated to offer 100 GW of capacity. The TERI report comes at a critical juncture as India accelerates its transition to clean energy in line with its updated NDCs under the Paris Agreement, and its target of net-zero emissions by 2070, the press release says. It adds that by highlighting underutilized and non-traditional solar applications, this report serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to support a just and scalable energy transition.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
India sitting on 10,830 GW solar reserve—New study reveals massive untapped capacity
New Delhi: What if India 's next energy revolution doesn't come from deserts alone—but from rooftops, ponds, plantations, railway tracks, and even urban facades? A new reassessment by The Energy and Resources Institute ( TERI ) has unveiled that India is sitting on a massive solar reservoir of 10,830 GW, nearly 15 times the country's earlier estimated potential of 748 GW. The report, Reassessment of Solar Potential in India: A Macro-Level Study, re-evaluates India's solar deployment capacity across conventional and unconventional land-use categories. The earlier 2014 estimate by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had assumed 3% of wastelands for calculating solar potential. In contrast, the TERI study integrates barren lands, floating solar, rooftop systems, agri-voltaics, building-integrated PV, and infrastructure-based installations like railways and highways to arrive at a more comprehensive solar landscape. Ground-mounted solar PV on barren and unculturable lands alone accounts for 4,909 GW, with Rajasthan contributing the highest at 1,234.6 GW, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 731.3 GW, Maharashtra at 606.7 GW, and Gujarat at 592.6 GW. Floating solar PV systems, using water surfaces of inland reservoirs, tanks, ponds, and aquaculture zones, are estimated to offer 100 GW of capacity. The potential for rooftop solar has been revised significantly, with rural and urban systems together contributing 960 GW. TERI's estimate includes 600 GW from rural rooftops and 360 GW from urban areas, based on household size, roof area, and shading assumptions. Agri-voltaics for horticulture, tea, and coffee plantations collectively contribute 4,177 GW to the total solar potential. Of this, horticulture accounts for 4,059 GW, with tea plantations adding 25 GW and coffee areas contributing 93 GW. The report recommends that agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras lead regional pilot studies to determine realisable project opportunities across different agro-climatic zones. Incorporating GIZ's 2024 estimation for innovative solar applications, TERI's report adds another 684 GW from railway tracks, roads, urban installations, and building-integrated PV. This includes 79 GW from railway infrastructure, 75 GW from roads, 309 GW from building-integrated systems, and 221 GW from other urban surfaces. The reassessment has been undertaken against the backdrop of India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions, which call for a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 over 2005 levels and 50% of cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil energy resources by the same year. India's net-zero target by 2070 further raises the importance of identifying scalable clean energy sources. TERI projects that India's electricity demand will exceed 5,000 TWh by 2050 and could rise to approximately 9,362 TWh—comparable to per capita levels currently seen in the European Union. In such a scenario, solar energy is expected to form the backbone of the non-fossil energy mix. While the total theoretical solar potential is pegged at 10,830 GW, the report notes that realisable capacity will require micro-level assessments using GIS tools, remote sensing, and site-specific filters such as substation proximity, solar insolation, infrastructure access, and climate risk exposure. The study provides a macro-level map to guide future solar energy planning and investment in India.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Dust, industrial & vehicle emissions top contributors to Faridabad air pollution
Faridabad: A first of its kind study in Faridabad shows that the NCR city's air is a swirl of road and construction dust, and industrial and vehicular emissions – the three largest contributors to pollution throughout the year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The study, conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for Municipal Corporation of Faridabad under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), estimated that road and construction dust contributes up to 51% of PM10 pollutant. Industrial emissions – primarily from coal and diesel combustion — account for 38% of PM2.5, the more dangerous and lung-penetrating particulate matter (PM). Vehicular pollution is responsible for 91% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) — gases that contribute to smog and exacerbate respiratory illnesses — as well as carbon monoxide (CO) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs). Tailpipe emissions make up for 7% of PM10 and 10% of PM2.5, the study titled 'Ambient Air Pollution Source Apportionment Study of Faridabad' found. "This report provides Faridabad with a scientific foundation for policy and regulatory decisions and underscores the need for urgent and sustained action to improve public health and quality of life in the city," said Ved Prakash Sharma, one of the lead researchers of the study. Pollution, round the year in the city According to the report, the dominant pollutant at a specific time changes as seasons shift. Dust, for instance, accounts for the largest chunk of pollution in the summer months because dry winds aid its suspension. In winter, pollution spikes as cold weather and calm winds allow PM2.5 and PM10 – released from farm fires, among other sources -- to linger in the air. The study highlighted that 40% of winter pollution originates outside the city's borders, underscoring the need for regional coordination and inter-city policies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "During winter, stubble burning from farms is a key contributor to pollution in Faridabad, as is the case for most of Delhi-NCR. It also depends on the wind direction," Sharma said. The researcher said this contrast between summer and winter pollution profiles must prompt govts to take a dynamic approach for mitigating pollution. "In summer, govt must prioritise dust suppression measures such as mechanised street sweeping, water sprinkling, and enforcing construction site controls. On the other hand, winter pollution is largely driven by vehicular emissions, biomass burning and industrial activity. So, stricter enforcement of emission norms becomes critical. A one-size-fits-all policy won't work," Sharma said. Despite the seasonal variations, pollution levels were high all year long. The TERI study – which assessed air quality at industrial, residential, commercial, kerbside and background sites during summer and winter – found that PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were far beyond India's safe limits. In summer 2022, average PM10 was 305-364 µg/m³. The limit is 100 µg/m³. Similarly, in the winter of 2023, PM2.5 scaled 126 µg/m³, more than twice the maximum limit of 60 µg/m³. Warning, and the way ahead If the current trends persist, Sharma said, particulate matter emissions are likely to increase 57-65% by 2035. But, if the city gets its act together, it could significantly reduce pollution, the study said. Possible interventions listed for the transport sector include shifting to electric vehicles, phasing out older diesel vehicles, addressing issues that lead to regular traffic jams at specific spots, introducing high rates for parking on roads and increasing penalties for violating norms. To reduce residential and industrial emissions, the report says the focus must remain on switching to cleaner fuels such as LPG and solar instead of traditional coal-powered systems. Similarly, the ban on open waste burning must be enforced and use of diesel generators should be reduced sharply. Construction sites must follow all norms to manage dust pollution, and cities should consider regular mechanised sweeping and developing green belts, the study points out. If Faridabad manages to meet its goals, PM10 level in winter can be 43% lower than the existing average by 2035, and PM2.5 can be halved. "If Faridabad rigorously implements the full suite of interventions, the city can not only reduce winter PM2.5 levels by over 40% but also meet the daily safe limits for both PM10 and PM2.5 by 2035. This is a realistic and achievable target, but it requires sustained political will, inter-agency coordination, and year-round enforcement," said Sharma said. Until now, Delhi was the only NCR city where source apportionment analysis was carried out regularly to pinpoint key causes of pollution. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said such research is crucial for developing "effective strategies" to reduce pollution. Faridabad was the only Haryana district to be tagged as a 'non-attainment' city under Centre's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) because it consistently failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The city was subsequently given the target of reducing PM concentrations by 20-30% by 2024, using 2017 levels as the baseline. A regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board told TOI that the agency has received the TERI report. "A detailed roadmap for air quality improvement using all possible measures has been suggested," the official said.
NDTV
09-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Lead The Change: The Strategic ESG Certification Program By NDTV And TERI
असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । "Lead us from the unreal to the real. Lead us from darkness to light." Today, these ancient words echo with urgency. Climate anxieties, social divides, and ethical dilemmas are no longer distant threats - they're the realities we live with every day. And who has the power to shift the course of this story? Businesses. As environmentalist Paul Hawken profoundly stated, "Business is the only mechanism on the planet today powerful enough to produce the changes necessary to reverse global environmental and social degradation." The question is: are you ready to step up and lead that change? NDTV, TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) & ZENORA, have united to answer this call. NDTV, a beacon of truth and responsibility in Indian media, and TERI, a global pioneer in sustainability and climate action, have launched the Strategic ESG Certification Program. A 3-month hybrid journey that's more than a course; it's a movement to transform how businesses operate in a world that demands accountability. The program is supported by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), an autonomous institution of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. What's in It for You? This 13-week program is designed for action, not just ideas. Here's what you'll gain: Purpose Meets Practice: Learn to embed ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) into your organization's core. With global frameworks, live case studies, and hands-on labs, you'll turn risks into opportunities and good intentions into measurable impact. Leadership at Every Level: ESG isn't just for sustainability teams-it's for every decision-maker. When leaders embrace it, it becomes the heartbeat of your business. Data with Meaning: Transparent KPIs tell your story. Master how to measure and communicate your progress with clarity and credibility. Collaboration for Impact: Build alliances with NGOs, academia, and peers. Real change thrives on connection, not isolation. Who's It For? Tailored for CXOs, board members, ESG/CSR leaders, and policymakers, this program fits the schedules of busy professionals with its flexible, hybrid format. It's your chance to lead with purpose-and see the rewards. Did you know companies with strong ESG performance enjoy a 20% higher valuation, better access to capital, and deeper customer loyalty? This isn't just about doing good; it's about thriving for your business, your people, and the planet. A Timely Call to Action As we look toward World Environment Day 2025 on June 5th, it's a moment to reflect: what role will you play in shaping a sustainable future? Starting in July 2025, the Strategic ESG Certification Program offers you the tools, the network, and the vision to be part of the solution. Will you wait for change to come, or will you help build it? The choice is yours. Join us. Learn. Lead. Transform. Together, let's turn intention into impact. Program Details: Duration: 13 weeks, hybrid format For: CXOs, board members, ESG/CSR leaders, policymakers Starts: July 2025 Learn More: NDTV TERI ESG Program: Strategic ESG for business sustainability and growth. Log on to for details. Let's make sustainability not just a goal, but a reality. The time is now.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Now, an EV dashboard to help motorists locate charging stations across Kolkata
In a significant step towards transforming Kolkata's urban transport into a greener, cleaner system, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) unveiled a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) dashboard and interactive map to help city motorists easily locate charging stations. Titled 'Accelerating Net-Zero Transition of Public Transportation in Kolkata', the web portal is designed to address the city's growing demand for EV infrastructure by projecting long-term charging requirements up to 2050. The portal was recently launched at an energy conclave in Kolkata and aims to bridge the critical information gap about charging infrastructure for both residents and incoming EV traffic from neighbouring districts such as Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas. The real-time dashboard offers an interactive map displaying 166 existing charging stations for over 15,000 registered EVs in Kolkata. However, TERI officials caution that the real number of electric vehicles in the city is likely much higher, as a large portion of e-rickshaws and low-speed two-wheelers — travelling under 25 kmph — do not fall under the registered category and remain undocumented. With support from the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, TERI commissioned the study and developed this digital tool as part of a broader roadmap to help Kolkata reach its net-zero targets. The new portal also responds to findings from a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study which revealed that despite rapid growth in EV numbers, public awareness about charging station locations remains critically low. Samik Dhar, a Kolkata-based EV owner, said: 'The govt must include EV charging stations in road signage. So far, there is none.' A K Saxena, a senior director at TERI, said: 'With strategic recommendations on grid infrastructure, energy storage, and decentralised energy access, this portal lays out a clear roadmap for a sustainable and inclusive energy future. Bengal is actively pushing its e-mobility goals, with a target of 1,260 electric buses by 2025, up from the current 80.'
