This is part two 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 second part, we dive into India’s use of oil and natural gas, and why it has continued to purchase these fuels from Russia, even as the West has implemented trade restrictions. We go on to explore India’s unique approach to transitioning mobility to vehicles that run on electricity and CNG. We highlight India's strategy for developing domestic industries in battery manufacturing, solar energy, hydrogen electrolyzers, and other clean technologies. We also take a closer look at India's astonishing progress in expanding electricity access to its vast population. We examine the challenges faced by electricity distribution utilities in the country, and their efforts to enhance efficiency. Finally, we address India's progress on its climate initiatives and the importance of ensuring a "just transition" as the nation reduces its reliance on coal-fired power.
Be sure to check out part one of this interview in Episode #199 for a review of India’s overall energy mix, including a close look at its use of coal, solar, and wind.
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: June 28, 2023
Geek rating: 5