SFC Perspectives Rethinking the configuration of technology, politics and institutions to build a 21st century energy system
India must build a 21st-century energy system while simultaneously grappling with 20th-century problems of energy access, leakages, and financially unviable electricity distribution companies. While a cleaner, greener, and job-creating energy future is possible, the path to it will be disruptive and will require a reconfiguration of current technological, political, and institutional systems.
Our work focuses on explaining the entrenched patterns in the Indian energy sector, identifying key bottlenecks to a clean energy transition, and finding solutions to ease its challenges. We collaborate with governments and the private sector to develop frameworks and plans for states to lead and manage the transition, ensure the viability of discoms and coal-dependent regions, and promote the productive use of electricity in rural communities for their socioeconomic development.
Our publications
This also includes publications by SFC team members in their past capacities.
Towards the next frontiers in India’s energy transition
Sarada Prasanna Das and Shubhranshu Suman
Ideas for India | 5 October 2026
The next stage of India’s energy transition requires greater attention to system integration and the actual contribution of clean energy to electricity generation – while also recognising the broader socioeconomic opportunities that the transition can create.
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The Energy Transition in Irrigation: A Case Study on Community Solar Irrigation in Chhattisgarh
Sarada Prasanna Das, Ashwini K. Swain, and Catherine Ayallore
ETPI | 30 September 2026
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Urban Energy Transition in India: Reimagining Cities as Catalysts for 21st Century Energy Transition
Ashwini K. Swain and Sarada Prasanna Das
Routledge | 31 August 2026
India’s rapid urbanisation implies that a major part of its energy demand growth will come from its cities. While cities have traditionally been energy importers, the 21st century energy transition presents a unique opportunity for them to play an active role in shaping the national energy future.
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Opinions
Energy Transitions
छत पे सोलर: सिर्फ सस्ती बिजली नहीं, उससे भी कहीं ज्यादा
Shubhranshu Suman and Sarada Prasanna Das
Down To Earth Hindi | 27 August 2026
सोलर रूफटॉप केवल एक स्वच्छ ऊर्जा प्रोजेक्ट या सब्सिडी देने का नया ज़रिया नहीं है| यह एक ऐसी विकास रणनीति है जो हर घर को ऊर्जा उत्पादक बनाएगी और स्थानीय अर्थव्यवस्था को सुदृढ़ करेगी। ऊर्जा प्रणाली को विकेंद्रित करने की दिशा में यह एक मज़बूत कदम है।
Reports
Energy Transitions
The Cross-Cutting Themes: A Study on Transition Preparedness in Ten Indian States (2023-24)
Sarada Prasanna Das, Ashwini Swain et al.
ETPI | 31 July 2026
The study presents three major crosscutting aspects for FY 2023–24: LCD and climate planning, frontline capacity building, and the articulation of a just transition in 10 selected Indian states.
Opinions
Energy Transitions
Rooftop solar push needs more than subsidies
Sarada Prasanna Das
Orissa Post | 16 July 2026
Odisha must ensure that rooftop solar systems are designed for the state’s climate realities and long-term development needs.
Opinions
Adaptation and Resilience
Energy Transitions
How India can keep cool as energy demands overheat its power grid
Sarada Prasanna Das, Anna Agarwal, and Shubranshu Suman
Scroll | 24 June 2026
Heatwaves are no longer temporary disruptions to India’s power system; they are emerging as one of its defining operating conditions. The challenge is not merely to keep pace with rising power demand, but also to build a power system that is reliable, climate-resilient, socially equitable, and capable of supporting the country’s long-term energy transition.
Opinions
Energy Transitions
संतुलित शीतलन, सुदृढ़ ग्रिड: भारत की संकटग्रस्त विद्युत प्रणाली के लिए सुधार का मार्ग
Sarada Prasanna Das, Anna Agarwal, and Shubranshu Suman
Down To Earth Hindi | 19 June 2026
देश के सम्मुख चुनौती अब केवल बढ़ती हुई बिजली मांग के साथ कदमताल मिलाने तक सीमित नहीं है| यह एक ऐसी बिजली प्रणाली का निर्माण करने की है जो पूर्णतः विश्वसनीय, जलवायु-अनुकूल, सामाजिक रूप से न्यायसंगत, और भारत के दीर्घकालिक ऊर्जा संक्रमण के लक्ष्यों को संबल प्रदान करने में पूर्णतः समर्थ हो।
Opinions
Energy Transitions
Free Power Debate
DV Ramana and Sarada Prasanna Das
Orissa Post | 23 May 2026
Odisha, as the pioneer of power sector reforms, now has an opportunity to create a model where “free power” and “market pricing” coexist by combining transparency, competitiveness, and compassion. Let consumers know the true cost of electricity, while governments transparently subsidise vulnerable households. The authors write on how the state should take responsibility for maintaining the financial viability of the electricity sector while ensuring social equity.
Books and book chapters
Energy Transitions
Re-Powering Rural Dignity: Rural Transformation Through Energy Transition
Sarada Prasanna Das and Ashwini K Swain
Springer Nature | 19 May 2026
The chapter explores how renewable energy—particularly solar energy—and reliable electricity access can strengthen rural livelihoods by supporting both farm and non-farm activities. It highlights pathways to promote electric-powered value addition, diversify rural economies, and expand productive uses of energy in ways that are sensitive to intersectional barriers. In doing so, the chapter envisions dignified and inclusive access to modern energy as a foundation for building a more resilient rural India.
Reports
Energy Transitions
Governing India’s Just Energy Transition: The Case of Jharkhand’s Task Force on Sustainable Just Transition
Rashi Agarwal, Sarada Prasanna Das et al.
ETPI | 27 April 2026
By analysing the Jharkhand Task Force on Sustainable Just Transition, this study highlights key institutional gaps and offer lessons for other states to enhance preparedness, improve policy alignment, build capacity, foster coordination, enable participation, and strengthen data systems for a just energy transition.
Reports
Energy Transitions
Energy Transitions Preparedness Initiative: Transport Sector FY 23-24
Aswathy KP, Karthika PS et al.
ETPI | 21 February 2026
The study aims to understand the energy transition preparedness of the transport sector across 10 states in India and identifies key initiatives, progress, and emerging good practices across the states.
