This is part one of our interview with Mohua Mukherjee, a Senior Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. Previously, she was a development economist and project manager with the World Bank, working in over 40 countries.
In this episode, we discuss the overall energy mix in India, and explore the dynamics of the coal power sector. We then take a deep dive into the solar power sector, including India’s innovative financing strategy leveraging a World Bank loan. Finally, we wrap it up with a look at the wind power sector.
In the second part, which will run as Episode #201, we’ll talk about India’s use of oil and natural gas, including why they are using gas for transportation. We’ll explore India’s investments into manufacturing clean technologies. We’ll review how their distribution utilities are improving access to grid power and improving efficiency. And we’ll end with a discussion about how India is taking a “just transition” approach to winding down its dependence on coal-fired power.
Mohua Mukherjee has recently retired from a long career at the World Bank in Washington DC as a development economist and project manager in over 40 countries. In her last rotation at the World Bank, she headed the India solar energy program from 2014-2017. Mohua is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. She is also an Independent Director on the Board of two Indian finance companies that create social impact. Recently, her work has centered on financial issues related to aspects of the energy transition and mainstreaming of renewable energy, as well as energy access, distribution utility reform, climate finance and energy policy.
On the Web:
Mohua’s profile page at Oxford Institute for Energy Studies
Links to Mohua’s work at OIES
Recording date: April 19, 2023
Air date: May 31, 2023
Geek rating: 5