TERI Champions Clean Energy Vision for Eastern and North-Eastern India at ICC Conclave in Kolkata

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), serving as the Knowledge Partner at the 4th East and North East India Energy Conclave organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), emphasized the strategic importance of Eastern and North-Eastern India in driving the country’s clean energy transformation. Held under the theme “Optimizing Opportunities in Energy Transition”, the event focused on leveraging innovation and policy support to accelerate renewable energy integration across the region.

During the conclave, TERI unveiled a series of impactful initiatives aimed at fostering a resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon energy landscape. These included the release of a knowledge paper, the launch of an EV infrastructure web portal, and the screening of a short film promoting decarbonized public transport in Kolkata.

The knowledge paper titled “Powering Progress: Unlocking the Energy Potential of Eastern and North-Eastern India” provides strategic insights into renewable adoption, grid modernization, and region-specific innovation. It emphasizes inclusive development while highlighting opportunities in energy access and sustainability.

The second initiative, a web-based EV infrastructure portal, aims to map the long-term charging infrastructure needs for Kolkata up to 2050. The third component, a short video titled “Decarbonizing Kolkata’s Public Transport”, advocates for emission-reducing transit systems aligned with the city’s sustainability goals.

Highlighting TERI’s strategic vision, Mr. A.K. Saxena, Senior Director at TERI, stated, “The knowledge paper offers a compelling assessment of how Eastern and North-Eastern states can become the driving force behind India’s clean energy transition. With strategic recommendations on grid infrastructure, energy storage, and decentralized energy access, it lays a clear roadmap for a sustainable and inclusive energy future. The State is actively promoting e-mobility and has set an ambitious target of deploying 1,260 electric buses by 2025, a significant leap from the current fleet of just 80.”

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister in Charge of the Departments of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises and Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, remarked, “The State is going through an impressive growth trajectory under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal. It is aggressively adopting clean and emerging technologies in the power sector, from ultra-super critical thermal power plants, underground coal gasification to mega solar projects at a highly competitive tariff, in addition to the Green Hydrogen Policy.”

The signing of the MoU between TERI and NRES Department will help the state government achieve its clean energy target of 20% by 2030 from the current level of 5%.

Shri Barun Kumar Ray, Additional Chief Secretary, Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources Department, Government of West Bengal, also emphasized regional innovations, “The State has enormous potential for AgriPV and cold storage facilities powered by round-the-clock power. It is also working on a ‘Green Zone’ programme scheduled to start in Salt Lake City (Sector 5 area), and will implement demonstration projects on new and innovative solar like BIPV, RIPV as well as induction of EV fleets including retrofitting.”

Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, highlighted international cooperation, “The UK Government looks forward to bringing companies working in the renewable energy sector with global expertise and experience to partner with and support East and North East India’s clean energy transition journey. In the past, the UK Government has worked with the State Power Department and formulated West Bengal EV Policy, 2021.”

The inaugural session was followed by expert-led panel discussions addressing key aspects of India’s energy transition—including renewable deployment, energy storage solutions, green hydrogen, decentralized systems, policy innovations, and financing mechanisms.

TERI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Eastern and North-Eastern states in achieving a cleaner, resilient, and equitable energy future aligned with India’s broader net-zero targets.