MODULE 1 — What Is Energy Transition?

The Indian Energy Transition Series

Green Horizons: Leveraging the EU–India Partnership for Climate Action - Heinrich Böll Stiftung Delhi

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Module 1 - What Is Energy Transition?

(Playtime - 6:41)

This video introduces the global shift away from fossil fuels and explains why renewable energy is at the heart of climate solutions. It breaks down the benefits, the international frameworks guiding countries, and the people and institutions shaping the transition.

🔑 Key Takeaways
  • What “Energy Transition” means and why it matters

  • Environmental, economic, and social reasons driving the shift

  • Global climate agreements guiding the process

  • Who the major actors are across global and local levels

  • Why justice, equity and inclusion must be part of the transition

Why the Transition Matters

Climate Action

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Slows global warming rates. Protects future generations.

Energy Security

Strengthens India's independence. Reduces import dependency. Builds resilient systems.

Universal Access

Ensures clean energy for all. Ultimately, makes power more affordable. Has the potential to promote social equity.

Economic Growth

Creates millions of green jobs. Opens new market opportunities. Drives innovation forward.

Energy transition isn’t just about new power plants — it affects transport, homes, industries, agriculture, and governance.

Global Climate Frameworks

  • UNFCCC: First global climate action platform

  • Paris Agreement: Limit warming to 1.5–2°C

  • SDGs & Human Rights Conventions: Reinforce fair, sustainable development

  • COPs & Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries set emission targets

  • Global Stocktake: Assesses global progress

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The transition is global — but progress is uneven because finance and technology transfer remain limited.
Who Drives the Energy Transition?

Governments

Set policies and regulations. Provide subsidies and incentives. Coordinate national strategies.

Energy Companies

Build renewable infrastructure. Invest in new technologies. Transform business models.

Consumers

Drive market demand shifts. Make sustainable choices. Influence corporate behaviour.

Think Tanks

Conduct critical research. Analyse policy options. Inform evidence-based decisions.

Civil Society

Advocate for climate justice. Hold leaders accountable. Mobilise grassroots action.

Indigenous Groups

Protect vital ecosystems. Share traditional knowledge. Assert land rights.

Inclusion Matters

Despite progress, many groups — indigenous peoples, women, low-income households — face displacement, pollution, and lack of participation. These groups often bear the highest costs of energy projects. You can learn more about this on Module 4 and 5.

More Modules

Module 2 
Energy Transition: The Indian Perspective

Module 3 
Sectoral Actions For Energy Transition

Module 4 
Just Energy Transition

Module 5
Women and Energy Transition

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