Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) published a detailed new report presenting a roadmap for Punjab’s transformation into a clean energy state by 2036. The report, Punjab Roadmap 2036: Clean Energy Transition, presents unambiguous assessment of Punjab’s future power requirements, renewable energy opportunities, and institutional shifts necessary for Punjab’s energy infrastructure to become sustainable and resilient.

Demand for power in Punjab is anticipated to increase substantially in the coming decade to 1,26,347 million units by FY 2036, driven by urbanization, increasing industrial production, and increasing electrification of transport and agriculture sectors. Projected peak demand for the state, under Business-as-Usual (BAU), is anticipated to increase to 27,040 MW and necessitate addition of major generation capacity. Yet, the research identifies that early installation of solar panels on rooftops, encouragement of energy-efficient appliances, and faster adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) can lower the peak demand to 26,167 MW. It can potentially decrease the need for new power plant installations by as much as 7%, lowering infrastructure and investment pressure.

The research envisions two alternative scenarios for the future fuel mix of Punjab. Under the ‘Standard Setup’, renewable energy is expected to account for 46% of the state’s electricity requirements and the rest from coal and gas-based units. The more ambitious ‘Green Energy Setup’ has renewables powering as much as 67% of Punjab’s total electricity needs. Although this way has a greater initial cost, the returns in the long run are gigantic. The cleaner case is estimated by the report at a 41% decline in carbon emissions and a 7.3% average decline in power-purchase prices by 2036.

Punjab’s shift toward clean energy does not come without its difficulties. Punjab’s intensive agriculture has large expanses of ground that are already sown, with little room remaining for utility-scale solar or wind farms. Second, in relation to other Indian states, Punjab has relatively weak solar irradiation and wind potential. These limitations pose special challenges towards large-scale deployment of renewables. In response thereto, the report recommends a strategic emphasis on land maximization and diversification of renewable energy. It covers giving top priority to solar installations on uncultivable land, encouraging biomass-based power generation, and creating 7,451 MW of storages using technologies such as pumped-hydro and battery storage systems to de-intermittent the renewable power.

To supplement supply-side actions, the report lays major focus on efficient management of demand. It promotes intensive marketing of rooftop solar installations, mass deployment of smart metering infrastructure, and replacement of inefficient agriculture pumps with more efficient pumps. It also demands rigorous enforcement of a strengthened Energy Conservation Building Code to control usage in commercial and residential building space. Monetary incentives, including low-interest green building loans and energy-efficient white goods, are also recommended to facilitate consumer and developer adoption.

CSTEP also appreciates the necessity for energy mix diversification by adding 2,637 MW of nuclear power, providing firm baseload power irrespective of solar or wind power generation variability. This will stabilize the grid in addition to minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.

But it is noted in the report that technology and finances alone will not be enough. Policy and regulatory overhaul is one of the most important pillars that the roadmap plan proposes. Moving to a cleaner grid will include accelerating project clearance, reforming archaic grid-dispatch strategies, and enhancing renewable purchase obligations to force utilities to buy enough clean power. There is also a need for improved linkage between transmission-distribution planning so that future infrastructure bottlenecks do not frighten away the development of renewable energy projects and storage facilities.

The report underscores that the transition to clean energy is a matter of governance, and not a technology problem. Unless there is continued and concerted policy effort, Punjab risks falling behind on its climate, energy, and economic development objectives. With the multi-pronged approach the report lays out, the state can become a trailblazer to show that a land-scarce and predominantly agricultural state can nevertheless construct a clean, secure, and affordable energy future.

The CSTEP study will serve as a valuable guidebook for policymakers at the state level, utility operators, and investors in the years to come as Punjab makes its way into a cleaner energy future.