Problem
Emissions are rising rapidly in India. With 2.8 billion metric tons of CO2 emitted in 2022, it was ranked the third largest emitter globally. If things continue without intervention, projected emissions are expected to reach 7.4 billion tons yearly in the next 25 years. Most of these emissions come from the energy and heat production sector, which contributes to over 50% of total CO2 emitted.
The other major sources are industry (24.5%) and transport (12.9%). State governments are working on the energy transition, but many lack access to timely data and specialized expertise. Addressing this gap in state-level capacity and climate governance is essential to achieving India’s decarbonization goals.
Solution
Vasudha Foundation aims to advance green hydrogen work for industrial decarbonization and scale energy-efficient technologies. Funding will allow Vasudha to expand its support to state governments, respond to policy opportunities as they arise, and deepen its role in India’s net-zero transition.
In-house capacity building: Vasudha will strengthen its internal technical expertise to deliver customized, state-specific support for net-zero pathway planning. This includes team training on energy transition technologies, strategy development, and the creation of AI-powered tools for data analysis and impact modeling.
Green hydrogen for industrial decarbonization: Vasudha is evaluating the feasibility of integrating green hydrogen into heavy industry ecosystems in select states. It will analyze production, storage, and application strategies and assist state agencies in preparing bankable Detailed Project Reports to mobilize investment.
Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management: Vasudha will identify high-impact sectors for energy savings, assess policy and behavioral drivers for reducing demand, and promote efficient technologies. It will also explore strategies to build public and institutional support for long-term energy conservation.
By investing in these areas, we aim to equip Vasudha with greater agility and technical depth to support subnational governments in implementing effective climate action.
Vasudha Foundation's Impact
Established in 2010, Vasudha Foundation is a leading Indian think tank working at the intersection of energy, climate, and sustainable development. It collaborates with central agencies such as NITI Aayog and supports state governments in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.
Its technical work has helped shape national and subnational climate policy. Vasudha co-created the Greenhouse Gas Platform India, recognized by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. It developed a pan-India energy and climate dashboard for NITI Aayog and served on the expert panel guiding Kerala’s energy transition. Vasudha’s analytical rigor and ability to translate research into actionable policy make it a key partner in India’s journey to net zero.
FAQs
Why is it important to support the energy transition in India?
India has high current and projected CO2 emissions, with electricity and heating being responsible for over 50% of these emissions. The electricity sector is a key part of the clean energy transition due to its high emissions and its prioritization in the political agenda.
How can nonprofits help with the clean energy transition?
Nonprofits conduct research and help with the implementation of clean energy projects. They also engage with governments and other stakeholders to improve policy outcomes. These could be very cost-effective ways to enable the clean energy transition.