Sustainable energy transformation in India under climate policy

Abstract

The paper uses an integrated assessment model, GCAM, to analyze two emission stabilization approaches for India – a conventional approach relying on carbon price to typically influence fuel switch and carbon capture and storage responses, and a sustainability approach that aims to conserve resources and deliver multiple dividends. An important feature of the sustainability approach is the focus on national policies to push solar and wind technologies. The paper concludes that sustainability push at a global level for renewable energy technologies is essential together with coordinated national policies and actions, if the 2 °C target is to be achieved with lower global welfare losses.