Energy innovation in India

Dwarkeshwar Dutt, Abhishek Malhotra and Ambuj D. Sagar

Chapter 13 in Handbook of Energy Innovation, 2026, pp 246-266 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Like other emerging and developing economies, India has historically had a focus on expanding its energy system in order to meet its developmental needs, while also trying to address other imperatives such as energy security. Energy innovation has been seen as a central element of these efforts from the earliest days of independent India, leading to the building of technological capabilities in areas as diverse as coal, nuclear, and renewable power. The nature of the Indian government's programmes has changed over time, responding to both the evolving global context as well as the economic and political milieu within the country. More recently, though, the recognition of the climate challenge has resulted in a substantial emphasis on transitioning the energy system to a low-carbon pathway. This chapter draws on two case studies – solar power and electric vehicles – to illustrate the complexities of managing the clean energy transition while also continuing to address developmental needs in the Indian context and the role of energy innovation in supporting these efforts. Reflecting on the experiences with these cases and more broadly, the chapter ends with some thoughts on how emerging and developing economies could better manage the clean energy transition in the context of their developmental status and needs.

Keywords: Energy Innovation; India; Energy Transition; Climate and Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035310401
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