Why CEEW?
The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) is identified as one of Asia's leading not-for-profit policy research institutions. Based in New Delhi, India, CEEW is dedicated to research that influences the use, reuse, and misuse of resources. The organisation employs a multidisciplinary team of over 100 or 120 individuals led by Dr Arunabha Ghosh. CEEW prides itself on the independence of its high-quality research, working with public and private institutions and engaging with the wider public. Their approach involves using data, integrated analysis, and strategic outreach. CEEW operates with core values of being Integrated, International, and Independent. Its funding comes from diverse sources, including private and philanthropic foundations, multilateral organisations, corporations, and public institutions, which helps maintain this independence. All CEEW's research and analysis are made freely available to the public.
Role in Energy & Environmental Policies
CEEW plays a significant role in India's energy and environmental policy landscape through its extensive research, analysis, and engagement at various levels. The organisation works across global, national, sub-national, and local levels, including India's cities and villages. It acts as a Strategic Partner to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and a Knowledge Partner to several other ministries, including the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and for India's G20 Presidency. CEEW has engaged in over 278 research projects, published over 212 peer-reviewed books, policy reports, and papers, created or improved access to over 100 databases, advised governments nearly 700 times globally, promoted over 110 bilateral and multilateral initiatives, and organised over 460 roundtables and conferences.
Key Areas of Work
CEEW's work spans several critical areas within India's energy and environmental policies:
- Energy Transition, particularly Solar and Wind Energy: CEEW conducts reviews of policies and risks in the utility-scale solar and wind energy sector, analysing the evolution of central policies which often focus on supply-side risks. They also evaluate demand-side measures like renewable purchase obligations (RPOs). Their research includes national-level analysis and examination of policies at the state level, covering both renewable energy-rich and renewable energy-poor states. CEEW has assessed policies based on the risks they address and how they measure up to future challenges. CEEW has contributed to major initiatives related to renewables, such as the first independent evaluation of the National Solar Mission and contributing to work for the Prime Minister's Office on accelerated targets for renewables. They also work on areas like solar rooftops and power sector reforms in states.
- Sustainable Cooling: CEEW supports India's sustainable cooling plans. They were a co-author of the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP), working alongside the MoEFCC and other partners. CEEW has facilitated dialogues, such as a national dialogue on how India can lead a sustainable cooling transition, bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, and academia.
- Air Quality and Emissions: CEEW conducts research on India's air pollution. Their work highlights the lack of a comprehensive emission inventory in India, as noted by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). They analyse and compare emission estimates from global and national databases, examining variations and their causes. This work aims to inform relevant authorities like the MoEFCC and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- Green Hydrogen: CEEW is actively involved in research and advocacy regarding green hydrogen. They have proposed eight principles for a rules-based architecture for green hydrogen to help establish a secure global energy economy for this fuel. Their research and advocacy in this area have gained traction, notably with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) announcing a Clean Hydrogen Partnership in 2022. CEEW's study on green steel using hydrogen and renewable energy was archived in the US Library of Congress. CEEW analysis suggests that India's target of producing 5 MTPA of green hydrogen by 2030 could lead to approximately INR 400 billion in savings by offsetting 68% of natural gas imports.
- Sustainable Livelihoods and Energy Access: CEEW has initiated programmes focusing on decentralised renewable energy (DRE)-powered livelihood appliances, including a go-to-market programme. They assess the market potential for DRE-based livelihood solutions in India, estimating it to be over USD 50 billion. Their work aims to inform policies for DRE applications to scale solutions and promote innovation for micro-entrepreneurship and productivity in rural India. CEEW has also published a guidebook for state policy-makers on maximising the benefits from solar pump schemes.
- Broader Climate and Sustainability Policies: CEEW has been instrumental in facilitating India's transition to a sustainable future. They were the first Indian policy research institution to conduct an economy-wide analysis for India's net-zero goal of 2070. They support 22 state governments within India with their sustainability plans. CEEW supported the curation and production of materials for India's participation in the UN High-Level Dialogue on Energy (HLDE) and its Energy Compact Initiative, strengthening India's position as a UN Global Champion for Energy Transition. Furthermore, CEEW played an integral part in devising the economic framework for sustainable lifestyles under Mission LiFE.
Recognition and Impact
CEEW has consistently been recognised globally, featuring extensively in the 2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report across ten categories. It has been ranked as South Asia's top think tank (15th globally in its category) for eight years and South Asia's top energy and resource policy think tank for three years. CEEW is also consistently ranked among the world's best managed and independent think tanks, and twice among the world's top 20 climate think tanks. The institution's work has received commendations, such as from the COP Presidency.
In summary, CEEW functions as a crucial policy research institution providing data-driven analysis and strategic advice to shape India's energy and environmental policies. Its activities span key areas like renewable energy transition, sustainable cooling, air quality, green hydrogen, sustainable livelihoods, and broader climate action, contributing significantly to India's sustainable development goals.
