Solar panels in Rajasthan

This photo taken on October 6, 2021 shows solar panels at the site of solar energy projects developer Saurya Urja Company of Rajasthan Limited, at the Bhadla Solar Park in Bhadla, in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. - Currently, coal powers 70 percent of the nation's electricity generation, but Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged on November 1 that it would produce more energy than India's entire grid now through solar and other renewables by 2030. - TO GO WITH Climate-UN-COP26-energy-solar,FEATURE by Glenda KWEK (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP) / TO GO WITH Climate-UN-COP26-energy-solar,FEATURE by Glenda KWEK (Photo by SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images).

IGC Evidence Paper - Energy and environment

Synthesis paper Energy

This paper examines the relationship between energy consumption, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. It highlights disparities in energy access and the need to improve electricity availability in low- and middle-income countries. Building on our evidence paper from 2021, the paper outlines innovative policies and market reforms to promote sustainable energy consumption and mitigate environmental impacts while supporting economic development. In addition to bringing together the latest evidence, it also highlights key knowledge gaps and suggests areas for future research.

The paper identifies three key questions: 

  • How will the poorest billion people gain energy access and the benefits for their welfare?
  • How can environmental regulations mitigate local harms in countries with weak enforcement?
  • What strategies can low- and middle-income countries adopt to slow greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change?