Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), Chennai, in association with the People's Monitoring Group on Electricity Regulation (PMGER), organised a seminar titled “Energy transition: COP29 and India Special Focus on Telangana” on December 11, 2024, at the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad.
The seminar was designed to help participants gain a richer understanding on clean energy transition. Its main goal was to educate participants, including research scholars, members of consumer groups and the academic community, with the vital knowledge needed to actively engage in shaping the future of the energy sector.
In his keynote address, Dr. Narasimha Reddy Donthi warmly welcomed all the participants. He provided an in-depth overview of the seminar's agenda, outlining the key topics for discussion pertaining to the energy transition landscape.
Dr. E. Revathi, during her speech
Dr. E. Revathi, Director of Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), in her welcome address, provided a foundational overview of climate change and the vital importance of energy transition. She talked about the urgent need for climate action. She pointed out the growing evidence of global warming and its serious effects. She underscored the critical role of energy transition in mitigating climate change, highlighting the need to shift away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources.
Mr.G.N.Bharath Ram, during his presentation
Mr. G.N.Bharath Ram, Researcher at CAG, presented how the organization is actively engaged in the transition to clean energy by collaborating with key stakeholders. CAG is currently focusing its efforts in Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. The organization is leading discussions and conducting training programs while engaging with various stakeholders to foster a supportive environment for the adoption of clean energy solutions. Furthermore, he presented insights on energy efficiency practices for households, emphasizing the importance of energy conservation and sustainable energy usage. This focus on household-level initiatives underscores CAG's comprehensive approach to promoting clean energy, recognizing that individual actions play a crucial role in achieving broader energy transition goals.
Dr. M. Thimma Reddy, during his presentation
Dr. M. Thimma Reddy, Convener, People's Monitoring Group on Electricity Regulations, gave a detailed presentation on Telangana’s energy scenario. Dr. M.Thimma Reddy in his presentation explained the power purchase agreements (PPAs) entered into by the Telangana State Discoms. He mentioned the long-term implications of these PPAs, particularly those with central government-owned entities like NTPC that could lead to higher electricity costs for consumers as they often involve fixed charges and fuel cost adjustments that are not always transparent. Another major challenge highlighted by Dr.M.Thimma Reddy is the need for greater transparency and accountability in the power sector. He emphasized the importance of regular audits and independent assessments to ensure that consumers are not burdened with unnecessary costs.
Ms. T. S. Jeena, during her presentation
Ms. T. S. Jeena, Assistant Professor, CESS, in her detailed presentation, highlighted several critical issues in the ongoing energy transition. These include the need for substantial investments in renewable energy technologies, the development of robust energy storage solutions, and the integration of these technologies into existing power grids.. Additionally, Prof. Jeena emphasized the importance of addressing social and economic disparities during the transition, ensuring a just and equitable pathway for all. Potential solutions involve a combination of policy interventions, technological advancements, and international cooperation. By fostering innovation, promoting sustainable practices, and prioritizing human well-being, it is possible to navigate the challenges and realize the benefits of a clean energy future.
Dr.Narasimha Reddy Donthi, during his presentation
Dr. Narasimha Reddy Donthi, presented the role of energy transition in the agricultural sector in detail. He highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, such as dependence on fossil fuel-based machinery and fertilizers, climate change impacts, and rising energy costs. To address these issues, Narasimha Reddy Donthi proposed solutions like promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power for agricultural operations, adopting energy-efficient technologies, and investing in research and development to improve agricultural productivity. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, such as precision agriculture and organic farming, to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. By focusing on energy-efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, we can ensure food security and a greener future for the agricultural sector.
Participants from the workshop
In conclusion, with insights from distinguished speakers, participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector. As the need for clean energy solutions becomes increasingly urgent, the seminar reinforced the idea that individual actions, coupled with collective initiatives, are vital for achieving broader energy transition goals.