Consultation Workshop on “Viksit Bharat @2047 and Net Zero @2070 Trajectory: Delayed Thermal Coal Phase-Down in India”
Date: 10 September 2025
Venue: Lecture Room 1, India International Centre (IIC) Annexe, New Delhi
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
Background
India has set two ambitious and interlinked national goals: achieving Viksit Bharat (Developed India) status by 2047 and transitioning to Net Zero emissions by 2070. Meeting these objectives requires sustaining rapid economic growth, ensuring energy security, and accelerating the shift towards renewable energy sources. However, with coal currently accounting for over 70% of India’s electricity generation, any transition away from thermal coal must be carefully designed to balance developmental priorities with climate commitments.
The Ashoka Centre for a People-centric Energy Transition (ACPET), Ashoka University, is working on these critical questions through its Energy Future’s Lab, which has already created an in-house AI/ML-backed Coal Economy Model and Energy Chatbot. Insights from this model indicate that under existing and future scenarios, a meaningful coal phase-down in India is unlikely to happen before 2047 if the country is to meet its Viksit Bharat objectives.
With this premise, the objectives of the workshop are framed to address the complex intersections of economic growth, energy security, and just transition pathways.
About the Event
ACPET is convening a consultative workshop on 10 September 2025 at the India International Centre, New Delhi, titled:
“Viksit Bharat @2047 and Net Zero @2070 Trajectory – Delayed Thermal Coal Phase-Down in India.”
The workshop will feature:
- Opening Session with special addresses from senior policymakers and energy experts.
- Session I: Macroeconomic impacts of coal transition under Viksit Bharat and Net Zero pathways.
- Session II: Roundtable discussion on policy and action areas, including electricity demand, coal and renewable infrastructure, and welfare measures for coal-dependent communities.
Expected Outcomes
The workshop aims to:
- Share insights from ACPET’s modelling work on future coal demand scenarios, electricity requirements, and renewable energy expansion.
- Facilitate dialogue on how and when a meaningful coal phase-down could take place in India, given rising energy demand and economic aspirations.
- Generate policy recommendations for a “just and people-centric transition”, addressing employment, reskilling, and welfare for coal-dependent communities.
- Provide evidence-based perspectives to guide decision-making at the intersection of energy security, economic growth, and climate responsibility.
Participants
The workshop will bring together a cross-section of stakeholders, including:
- Academia and Research Institutions: Energy economists, climate researchers, and policy analysts.
- Government and Ministries: Senior officials from energy, coal, and regulatory agencies.
- Industry Representatives: Experts on electricity demand, renewable capacity, and coal sector transitions.
- Civil Society and Practitioners: Advocates for a people-centric energy transition, including those focusing on community welfare and reskilling.
Distinguished speakers include Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, along with researchers and experts from ACPET, CEA, TERI, WRI, Prayas, CEEW and other leading institutions.
Contact
Dr. Piya Srinivasan, Communications Manager, ACPET
Email: piya.srinivasan@ashoka.edu.in
Dr. Anandajit Goswami, Senior Research Fellow & Research Lead, ACPET
