A new report from World Resources Institute (WRI) India highlights Indian cities as critical players in the country’s clean energy transition. The report, “How Cities Can Support India’s Energy Transition,” underscores that urban centers, which contribute up to 60% of the country’s GDP, are uniquely positioned to serve as “natural aggregators of demand” for clean energy and as testing grounds for innovative solutions.
The analysis of 10 cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Indore reveals that local governments are combining national policies with local innovations to accelerate decarbonization efforts. For example, Indore has pioneered a carbon market consultancy service, while Kochi and Pune are leading the way in electrifying public transport. Cities like Surat are also utilizing digital monitoring to enhance energy efficiency in municipal services. Pune and Chennai have even achieved 100% energy-efficient street lighting.
However, the report also notes that progress is uneven. Many cities face significant challenges, including a lack of technical expertise, financing mechanisms, and institutional capacity. This often necessitates external support for project design and implementation. WRI India stresses that a collaborative approach involving local governments, state utilities, and the private sector is essential to overcome these hurdles and scale up initiatives.
The report’s findings are particularly urgent given India’s rapid urbanization, with cities projected to absorb an additional 270 million people by 2040. This population boom, combined with rising demand for household appliances and transportation, could place enormous strain on the national energy grid. Therefore, the report concludes that urban action is crucial not just for meeting energy needs but for also achieving broader goals related to air quality, public health, and climate resilience.