ACPET hosts dialogue on people-centric energy transition
The Ashoka Centre for a People-centric Energy Transition at Ashoka University hosted its annual showcase event and a high-level policy dialogue titled “Translating Vision to Value: A People-Centric Energy Transition” at Hyatt Regency. The convening brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and practitioners to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities shaping India’s energy transition.
According to a Press release, the dialogue comes at a pivotal moment in India’s energy journey, as the country navigates the dual imperatives of energy security and sustainable development in pursuit of its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Net Zero 2070 goals.
The event opened with three parallel technical sessions focused on people-centric coal transition, critical minerals and circular economy, and people-centric power reform, setting the stage for in-depth discussions on the structural shifts required across sectors.
The coal transition session underscored the continued centrality of coal in India’s energy mix, while emphasizing the need for cleaner and more efficient utilisation pathways. Amrit Lal Meena, Former Secretary, Coal highlighted that coal dependency remains a structural reality, while Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairman, PNGRB, emphasized that coal must be understood within evolving geopolitical and economic contexts, a reminder that “coal is not the elephant in the room amidst war.”
Speakers stressed the need to shift focus toward demand-side management, while recognising the progress made on the supply side. Discussions highlighted emerging opportunities in coal gasification and coal-to-chemicals, including the potential to reduce import dependence by producing methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether, and even urea domestically.
AK Jha reiterated the strategic importance of coal, noting that “clean coal is here to stay,” particularly as India pursues high-growth ambitions.
A recurring theme across sessions was the importance of domestic resource-based energy security. Speakers emphasised that ensuring reliable energy access for households, industry, and mobility requires strengthening domestic supply chains.
The plenary session foregrounded the social dimensions of energy transition, with a strong emphasis on equity, livelihoods, and long-term planning.
Discussions on critical minerals highlighted the urgency of building resilient and self-reliant value chains. R. Saravanabhavan emphasised the need to strengthen the recycling ecosystem, particularly by integrating informal sector actors into formal supply chains to boost investor confidence.
