‘Rising Ambition’ By TERI Highlights Equitable Clean Energy Access, Private Sector Role, And Path To 2070 Net Zero Target

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has launched a new book titled Rising Ambition: Carving New Pathways: India’s Energy Transition, authored by Mr Ajay Shankar, Distinguished Fellow at TERI and former Secretary in the Government of India. The book arrives at a critical juncture as India pursues its Net Zero commitments while balancing the interlinked priorities of economic growth, energy security, and climate action. It provides a practical and sector-specific roadmap for India’s energy transition, addressing areas such as renewable energy expansion, the Green Hydrogen Mission, industrial decarbonization, and strategies to phase down fossil fuels in an equitable manner.

In his opening remarks, Mr Girish Sethi, Senior Director at TERI, highlighted the book’s relevance and accessible writing style. Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, delivering a special address, observed that the book draws timely attention to important issues, including equitable access to clean cooking solutions, the rapid growth of renewable energy since 2010, and the critical role of private sector investment in driving India’s green transition.

Mr Ajay Shankar explained that the book was motivated by the urgent global climate context. He noted that recent scientific assessments indicate the world has already moved beyond the 1.5°C warming limit and could face much higher levels of warming by the end of the century. While India’s Net Zero target of 2070 may seem distant, he emphasized that decisions made today will determine the success of the country’s energy transition.

In his Vote of Thanks, Mr AK Saxena, Senior Director at TERI, reflected on his longstanding professional association with Mr Shankar and praised the book for offering actionable steps toward a realistic yet ambitious Net Zero pathway. The book has also received acclaim from global climate leaders, including Lord Adair Turner and Suman Bery, for its clarity, depth, and practical relevance.

Rising Ambition positions India’s green transition not only as an environmental necessity but also as a strategic opportunity for the country to emerge as a competitive, inclusive, and developed economy. It highlights the potential for India to combine climate action with economic growth and social equity, providing a comprehensive guide for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders involved in the energy sector.