Engaging States to Achieve India’s NDC

In India’s growing economy and shift towards environmentally sustainable energy sources, an urgent need arises to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfil the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Despite a consistent rise in renewable energy capacity, swift actions are imperative. The pivotal involvement of state governments is vital for India to meet its NDC commitments, particularly in implementing renewable energy projects. This study delves into the essential state-level strategies for achieving India's NDC renewable energy targets. It highlights the importance of efficient coordination between central and state governments in achieving ambitious objectives. Drawing from existing literature, it explores multi-level governance, capacity-building, financial mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement to enhance NDC implementation. It analyses the existing and projected power capacity scenarios, emphasising the need for technical transformation and storage technologies. Through analyses of power capacity trends, technical transitions, and storage solutions, the study recommends market-driven approaches like Renewable Power Purchase Obligations (RPOs) and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to incentivise renewable adoption. India's power sector accounts for 52% of CO2 emissions. As the power sector is managed by centre and state together in a concurrent manner, it is essential that states engage actively in climate mitigation. Nationally Determined contributions (NDC3) agreed at all India levels in the Paris Agreement specify that India will reach a 50% share of renewable power in total capacity by 2030. The article assesses the current progress of each state in renewable energy, data on renewable energy resources potential of each state, and current and past policies. Their progress is uneven and it is necessary to change course to some extent. The article suggests four types of initiatives or revisions of them. A market-based mechanism: India needs to review and revamp Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPO) and Renewable Energy Certificates (REC). Power markets need to be facilitated further. B Regulatory measures: India needs to reestimate renewable energy potentials, which is underestimated. The emission norms for fossil plants should also be prescribed and monitored. Grid balancing would have to be managed by suitable time-of-use pricing policies C Institutional strengthening: The Ministry of Power and also Environment both have nodal agencies promoting renewable energy and Climate Action. They need to be tasked with the Paris goals and take a periodic review. This may call for a new mandate and capacity-building D Technological Initiatives: Transmission infrastructure would need strengthening, Storage facilities need to be increased and shared and incentives for solar rooftops and farm tops need to be increased along with capacity-building, We conclude with case studies of Gujarat, Odisha, and Assam, which offer insights into state-specific challenges and solutions, emphasising collaborative endeavours in order to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.